Learners (i.e. educators as researchers) at this level will produce a professionally printed and bound research thesis that shows evidence of:
1. A research plan which should include astute formulation of topic and meaningful parameters, incorporate significant variables, operational objectives, hypotheses and/or research problems.
2. Suitable, well-motivated, and scientifically acceptable methods and procedures of research, and a research approach that is theoretically well-founded and clearly conceptualised and a systematically organised and critically accountable research design.
3. A chapter division that shows appropriate range and compass of content, creativity and originality, based on well-founded assumptions.
4. A study of literature that testifies to balance, knowledge and sound interpretation and that is relevant, topical and recent, with an adequate selection in which primary sources have precedence over secondary sources.
5. A summary in which the conclusions and deductions express the spirit of the study meaningfully and conclusively.
6. Findings and recommendations that are viable, accountable and concur with the objectives/research problem/hypotheses, with inducement for improvement and/or refinement of practice, and suitable for publication.
7. Recommendation for further research.
8. Contribution to the extension/expansion of existing knowledge through independent, original and critical thinking.
Additional assessment criteria include:
Linguistic correctness and quality
Stylistic expression
Technical presentation and layout, as stipulated in the university calendar or PhD ED (R) theses.
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
An individual supervisor, with the option of co-supervisors if and when required, will be appointed by Senate. Rigorous, continuous, formative supervision will ensure that assessment criteria are met. Educators as researchers will demonstrate the ability to do independent specialised and advanced educational research, show in-depth knowledge and understanding of complex and specialised areas, and come to accountable, reliable, verifiable and publishable conclusions. Oral defence of the research findings will be an option in such cases where internal and external assessors should so require.
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