Assessment 1: Research Project Plan including a Literature Review

Assignment Overview

Task description

In EUB402, you will plan, conduct and write up a small research project with a topic that has relevance to early childhood education and care and early years settings.

Assessment 1 is the research project plan for your chosen topic. In this assessment you will include:

1. A literature review of existing research evidence related to your topic. This literature review will inform your research question(s) and project plan. It should include a brief introduction to the context and topic of research, followed by multiple sub-sections covering 2 empirical research findings in your topic area that are used to identify the importance/relevance of your research topic and specific research question(s).
2. A project plan to address your research question(s). This will include introducing the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) and a summary of data collection, chosen AEDC participants and a statement about ethical considerations.

This is an authentic assessment because teachers are required to find, analyse, evaluate, and synthesis research findings to support their evidence-based practice.

Learning outcomes measured

1. Select appropriate research methods and strategies to plan for research and evaluation in early childhood settings. (CLO 1, 2, 9; APST 3.6, 7.1)
2. Retrieve, critically evaluate, and synthesise a range of published empirical research. (CLO 1, 2, 9; APST 3.6, 7.1)

What you need to do

Throughout the teaching period you have been introduced to a range of research methods, as well as the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) dataset. Using the AEDC dataset, you will:

1. Identify a topic area of interest that aligns with the AEDC.
2. Develop appropriate search terms and conduct searches in scholarly databases to obtain recent and relevant empirical literature in your topic area.
3. Develop a well-structured and highly relevant literature review that provides a rationale for your research questions. This requires a focus on 2 empirical articles.
4. Present a detailed research plan that includes: 
   • A statement of research questions.
   • An overview of AEDC data collection.
   • Identified AEDC participants for your chosen area.
   • Ethical considerations.
5. List references in APA style (approximately 15 sources).
6. Include the following appendices:

1. • Domain-specific items used in data collection
   • Participant summary table.

Brief Summary of Assessment Requirements

The EUB402 Assessment 1 requires students to plan, conduct, and write up a small research project relevant to early childhood education and care (ECEC) and early years settings. The assessment is authentic, as it involves finding, analysing, evaluating, and synthesising empirical research to support evidence-based practice.

Key requirements of the assessment include:

1. Literature Review

   • Introduce the context and topic of research.

   • Cover two empirical research studies relevant to the topic.

   • Demonstrate the importance and relevance of the research topic.

   • Use the literature review to justify research question(s).

2. Project Plan

   • Introduce the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).

   • Outline data collection procedures and chosen participants.

   • Address ethical considerations in conducting research.

   • Clearly state research question(s).

3. References and Appendices

   • Include approximately 15 references in APA style.

   • Appendices to include:

     • Domain-specific items used in data collection.

     • Participant summary table.

4. Learning Outcomes Measured

   • Select appropriate research methods and strategies for ECEC settings (CLO 1, 2, 9; APST 3.6, 7.1).

   • Retrieve, critically evaluate, and synthesise empirical research (CLO 1, 2, 9; APST 3.6, 7.1).

Approach Taken by the Academic Mentor

The Academic mentor guided the student step by step to ensure a structured and high-quality submission:

1. Step 1: Topic Selection

   • Mentor helped the student choose a topic aligned with the AEDC dataset.

   • Considered the student’s interests, relevance to ECEC, and feasibility for data analysis.

2. Step 2: Literature Search

   • Guided the student in developing search terms relevant to the topic.

   • Advised on using scholarly databases to obtain recent empirical studies.

   • Focused the search on two key empirical articles that are critical for establishing the research rationale.

3. Step 3: Literature Review Drafting

   • Mentor instructed on structuring the literature review:

     • Introduction to context and topic.

     • Subsections covering empirical findings.

     • Analysis of relevance to the research question.

   • Reviewed drafts to ensure critical evaluation and synthesis, not mere summarisation.

4. Step 4: Project Plan Development

   • Assisted in linking the research question(s) to AEDC data.

   • Provided guidance on describing:

     • AEDC data collection.

     • Participant selection.

     • Ethical considerations in research practice.

   • Ensured alignment between research objectives and methods.

5. Step 5: Formatting and APA References

   • Mentor advised on APA style referencing.

   • Suggested including appendices for domain items and participant summary.

6. Step 6: Review and Feedback

   • Reviewed the full draft with the student.

   • Ensured clarity, logical progression, and adherence to assessment criteria.

   • Recommended refinements to enhance coherence and evidence-based justification.

Outcome and Achievement

Following the structured guidance, the student achieved the following:

• Comprehensive Literature Review

  • Covered two critical empirical studies.

  • Synthesised findings to justify the research question.

  • Demonstrated understanding of research context and relevance.

• Detailed Project Plan

  • Clearly stated research question(s).

  • Described AEDC data collection and participant selection.

  • Addressed ethical considerations appropriately.

• Accurate Referencing

  • Included approximately 15 APA-style references.

  • Presented appendices with domain items and participant table.

Learning Objectives Covered

By completing this assessment under mentor guidance, the student achieved:

1. Research Methodology Competence

   • Selecting suitable research methods and planning evaluations in ECEC contexts.

2. Critical Evaluation Skills

   • Retrieving, analysing, and synthesising empirical research effectively.

3. Evidence-Based Practice

   • Linking research findings to practical implications in early childhood settings.

4. Ethical Research Understanding

   • Applying ethical standards to data collection and participant interaction.

5. Professional Academic Skills

   • Structuring reports, referencing sources correctly, and presenting research findings coherently.

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