You are going to write a research report to address the following research question:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of problem-based learning and to what extent is it successful as a method of teaching and learning at university?
The report must include the following sections (word counts are a guide and are approximate):
– Abstract (100 – 150 words)
– Introduction (350- 400 words)
– Methodology (300- 400 words)
– Results (500- 600 words)
– Discussion/Conclusion (450 – 500 words)
– References
– Appendices (if necessary)
All sections need to be included in the submission of this report otherwise marks will be lost.
The IMRD Report will test the following intended learning outcomes (ILOs):
1. Research a topic by reading linguistically complex academic texts and critically evaluate their effectiveness.
2. Synthesise information from two or more academic texts.
3. Use appropriate language and organisation for audience and purpose when producing academic texts.
4. Apply feedback and reflections in order to edit work.
Task Instructions
You will conduct secondary research only to complete this task. For this report secondary research involves the search for information from published academic papers on the topic.
You should look back at the materials on the AALL Blackboard site to prepare for this IMRD report which will help you answer the research question.
You will also need to complete the cover sheet with details of your engagement with the feedback. This will contribute to grading of the engagement with feedback and redrafting bullet point (see Task Fulfilmentand Content column on IMRD criteria document).
What to write in the Methodology, Results and Discussion sections?
For the Methodology section you will not need to do any primary research. Instead, you will need to conduct research by finding secondary sources related to the area of problem-based learning n higher education You will write about your research process by comparing, contrasting and synthesising your findings from this research into the existing literature in this area. Outline how and why you selected your sources and what method you will use to synthesise and compare and contrast the literature. For example, you may wish to refer to a framework you used to evaluate the suitability of the source for this task (such as PROMPT or CRAAP), and a table used to help organise information into themes (e.g. a synthesis matrix)
In the Results section of the IMRD you should present the current literature/research that exists in the field of study (problem-based learning at university) in response to the IMRD research question. You do not need to conduct any primary data yourself as in the first submission of the IMRD Report. The Results section could contain a table or synthesis matrix summarising the key points found in your sources and/or any useful data you found in your sources which will be used to support your key points.
In the Discussion section you need to outline any limitations or gaps in the literature for further investigation and any implications for the field of study.
Possible sources you might wish to consult:
Burgess, A., Van Diggele, C., Roberts, C. et al. Team-based learning: design, facilitation and participation. BMC Med Educ 20 (Suppl 2), 461 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02287-y
Ghufron, M.A. and Ermawati, S., 2018. The strengths and weaknesses of cooperative learning and problem-based learning in EFL writing class: Teachers’ and students’ perspectives. International Journal of Instruction, 11(4), pp.657-672. DOI:10.12973/iji.2018.11441a
You will also be expected to include accurate citations and referencing. Please consult a minimum of 5 sources.
Your sources should be selected from the following:
· Relevant academic literature you have read this year
· Academically appropriate websites
· Articles from journals
· Lectures or appropriately academic TED talks
You will need to ensure you evaluate the source to ensure it is suitable for the task. You may wish to use a framework introduced on the IFP course such as PROMPT or CRAAP.
Word Limit: 2,000 total
There is a leeway of 10% more or 10% less on word counts. So, the maximum you can write is 2,200 and the minimum is 1350.
The word limit on unit assessments includes title and subheadings, all the main text including tables and citations. The word limit excludes reference list, appendices, graphs and images, and declarations (i.e. your cover sheet).
