The ROCOCO project involves the development of a “Common Spine” post-graduate Research Methods course from reused and enhanced content to assist universities addressing large cohort numbers and EFL issues.

ROCOCO


Start date: 31 March 2008

End date: 28 February 2009

Funding programme: e-Learning Capital programme

Project website: http://cuba.coventry.ac.uk/reproduce/category/research-methods/

JISC theme(s): e-Learning

Committees: JISC Learning and Teaching committee


Background

This project has four themes:

  • The development of re-usable generic postgraduate Research Methods content incorporating examples of research methods best practice
  • Modules can be customised at the point of delivery by including appropriate additional disciplinary content, so a 'Common Spine' or 'Common Core' of content with a subject-specific 'Wrapper'
  • Specific integration needs of international students with a different prior learning culture and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) issues can be met via a front-end package
  • Blended learning delivery supports large cohort groups of diverse learners offering back-up material for re-use by students

Aims & Objectives

The aim of this project is to test the hypothesis that a Common Core Approach to module design can work with an audience of Doctoral level student learners, specifically helping them to complete their research degree proposals.

The objectives are to:

  • Test the feasibility of using a common curriculum platform for core content to use across a number of modules
  • Investigate the usefulness of a 'learning culture-specific' front-end introduction to assist international students in managing research projects to deliver outcomes more closely aligned with UK university expectations
  • Deliver blended learning Research Methods content to a value of 10 CATS points for the entry level research methods module which supports development of a viable research proposal into an appropriate module VLE (expected to be Moodle based) and to run the module and collect feedback on the support.

Methodology

We shall be taking an existing on line research methods module which has a CATS value of 12 points and updating and repurposing to 10 points whilst adding existing and new content from internal and external sources. We shall introduce some exemplars of best practice, content and packages from other disciplines including ideas from 'writing in the disciplines'.  We shall use student narratives to form the basis of a front–end prior learning culture integration module.

Deliverables

  • A front end package addressing integration of sub Saharan African doctoral students into the UK learning culture
  • Common Core Content segments using research methods content, which can be disassembled/reassembled for re-purposing
  • A module guides for use with the e-materials and a module leaders guide
  • A project report
  • Two research papers to learning conferences
  • One internal and one external research seminar

Stakeholders

External to project

  • International student groups
  • University Doctoral and Masters level students who are enrolled on research degree programmes
  • Other Faculties, Universities and Research groups
  • University and Faculty Senior Management   

Internal to project

  • Project Manager
  • Core Project Team
  • Learning Design team
  • E-Learning Unit
  • Learning Technologist
  • Centre for Academic Writing
  • Library
  • Faculty –based module leader
  • University Research Degree Committee

project staff

Project Manager
Project team
  • Last updated on 08/01/09 by Kerry Ann Down