EXPERIMENTAL EDUCATION

The course is one of the complementary and integrative educational activities within the Master's degree program in Language Sciences. It provides students with the opportunity to grasp the fundamental principles of educational and pedagogical research, with a particular emphasis on participatory research with children. Students will have the chance to actively explore children's involvement in research processes.
The course is divided into three parts:
1. Introduction to Research with Children: This initial phase defines participatory research with children, focusing on the development of their cognitive, social, and participatory skills. Organizational principles of children's and adolescents' participation will be examined through practical examples of participatory research projects.
2. Designing Educational Research: This section focuses on developing the skills necessary to design research in the field of education. Students will delve into research types, formulation of research questions, literature review, hypothesis formulation, and identification of populations and samples. Special attention will be given to methods and research tools adapted to engage children according to their age.
3. Practical Application: In the final phase of the course, students will collaborate in groups to develop participatory research proposals with children, applying the acquired knowledge. These projects will be presented in the classroom.

1. Knowledge and understanding: Students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of educational and pedagogical research, with a specific focus on participatory research with children. They will be able to grasp key concepts related to the design and conduct of research in the field of education, as well as the importance of children's participation in research processes.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired in the design and conduct of educational research, particularly in the context of participatory research with children. They will be able to develop and implement appropriate research methodologies that actively involve children, applying theoretical and practical concepts learned during the course.
3. Judgement autonomy: Students will develop autonomy in critically evaluating existing research methodologies and making informed decisions about the design and conduct of educational research. They will be able to assess the advantages and disadvantages of different methodological approaches and adopt a reflective and critical approach in their research work.
4. Communication skills: Students will develop effective communication skills to clearly convey complex concepts related to educational and pedagogical research, both verbally and in writing. They will be able to communicate clearly and persuasively with their colleagues and other stakeholders, effectively presenting their research projects and conclusions.
5. Learning ability: Students will develop self-directed learning ability, adapting and applying their knowledge and skills in various educational research contexts. They will be able to critically reflect on practical experience in the field of participatory research with children and continue to learn and adapt to new challenges in the field of educational research.

For this course there are no prerequisites.

1. Educational research - Participatory Research with Children
2. Social and participatory development of children and adolescents
3. Models of participation for children and adolescents
4. Lab: examples of participatory projects with children
5. Types of research
6. Literature and questions
7. Population and sample
8. Variables and hypotheses
9. Children's cognitive development
10. Participatory research methods with children and adolescents

Reference texts for exam preparation:
a) The lectures (written handouts) of the course made available in MOODLE (for all students)
b) Participatory research methods/tools with children and adolescents (additional material for students not participating in group work) available in MOODLE

The assessment of learning will take the form of a written examination consisting of 22 multiple-choice questions (worth 1 mark) and 3 short open-ended questions (worth 3 marks each). Time: 40 minutes.
These questions cover both the theoretical knowledge learnt during the course and the skills of reasoning and application on case studies.
The assessment criteria for the short-answer questions on theoretical knowledge and reasoning skills are:
(a) the accuracy of the information reported in relation to the theoretical knowledge learnt
(b) the appropriate use of language appropriate to the discipline
(c) the validity of the argumentation
(d) the effectiveness of communication and presentation

The lectures will be integrated with collaborative learning activities, supported with video/web materials.

Italian

Students not attending class are asked to contact the teacher one month before the exam.

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development