MA-455 Research Method (Autumn 2026)

After successful completion of the course, the students will:

• have in-depth knowledge of scientific theory and method with relevance for the teacher researcher.
• have in-depth knowledge of research ethics, citation practices, academic reading and writing.
• have solid insight into various research strategies and research designs in mathematics education with an emphasis on classroom studies (such as case studies and action research/intervention research)
• have in-depth knowledge of various research methods in mathematics education: interview, observation and documents.
• have knowledge of collecting and processing data: data reduction, transcribing and coding.
• have knowledge of different perspectives on the analysis of data in mathematics education.
• have insight into quality criteria for research.
• have insight into the importance of research questions in mathematics education research.

The course focuses on research methodology within mathematics education. Key topics covered include: research paradigms, research design, research ethics, literature search and citation, and academic reading and writing. Research articles in mathematics education make the basis for discussing key aspects regarding research findings, methodology and analysis of the data material. Quality criteria for research and various research designs, methods and perspectives on data analysis will be emphasized in the teaching.

By taking the course, the students are expected to acquire a good academic foundation so that they can carry out a professionally oriented and practice-based research project in mathematics education (the master thesis under supervision).