Section outline

  • Developing Scholarly Independence 

    An MEd Research Project requires a significant amount of self-directed learning, as students are responsible for independently managing their time, setting goals, and progressing through the stages of inquiry, analysis, and writing. Unlike structured coursework, there are no regularly scheduled class hours; instead, meetings with the supervisor are arranged based on the student’s needs and progress. This flexible, student-led approach encourages scholarly independence and critical self-reflection. 

    Course Structure and Assignment Deadlines

    EDUC 5180 Research Project is a 6-credit, two-semester course. Below is a tentative outline of the timelines and project deliverables for semesters 1 and 2. Note that the timelines and deliverables may be adapted to meet individual learner needs and promote student agency and scholarly independence, for example, some students may receive permission to complete the 6-credit course in one semester, as such the timelines will be condensed to a 13-week period. Please discuss timelines with your supervisor(s). 

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        Semester 1: Timeline and Deliverables


        Semester 1
        Weeks

        Focus

        Student Deliverables

        Supervisor Engagement

        1 & 2

        Orientation, goal-setting

        Learning contract  and discussion of project proposal (research question, scope, rationale, methods, format of final output)

        Initial supervisor meeting

        3 - 5

        Preliminary review of the literature 

        Theming the literature (e.g., annotated bibliography, thematic analysis grid) and meeting with Librarian

        Feedback on sources and framing

        6 & 7

        Methodological and design decisions

        Submit Project Proposal, including methodological approach, theoretical framework, researcher's positionality, and preliminary literature review

        Supervisor review and assessment of project proposal

        8 & 9

        Initial project development

        Begin creation of project output (e.g., OER draft, curriculum units, autoethnographic writing)

        Ongoing support/check-in

        10 & 11

        Integrating theory and practice

        Submit draft 1 of Reflective Essay and Literature Review (linking theory, context, and experience)

        Supervisor feedback on reflective essay and literature review 

        12 & 13

        Mid-semester check-in

        Draft project update + revised literature review

        Mid-point review with supervisor



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        Semester 2: Timeline and Deliverables


        Semester 2
        Weeks

        Focus

        Student Deliverables

        Supervisor Engagement

        1 - 3

        Revising and deepening

        Revised literature review + continued refinement of project output

        Detailed supervisor feedback

        4 & 5

        Reflective writing

        Full draft of reflective paper (research process, professional insights, challenges, implications)

        Supervisor feedback

        6 & 7

        Finalizing the scholarly output

        Submit final draft of project output (OER, children’s book, workshop guide, etc.)

        Review and suggestions for presentation

        8 & 9

        Peer review and rehearsal

        Draft summative presentation + peer feedback session; this may involve piloting the application with an appropriate audience

        Optional mock presentation

        10 & 11

        Final editing

        Final reflective paper and project due

        Supervisor approval

        12 & 13

        Knowledge sharing

        Summative presentation to peers, faculty, and invited community

        Supervisory committee evaluation and feedback