EXPERIMENTAL EDUCATION

This teaching is part of the supplementary and integrative educational activities of the Master's degree in Language Sciences, with a curriculum in Linguistic Education. The teaching aims to provide students with basic methodological tools for educational and pedagogical research, with a particular focus on participatory research with children and adolescents.
Through a theoretical and applied approach, the course allows students to develop critical reflection skills on educational research, acquiring competencies in study design and in the use of appropriate methodological tools. Specific attention is dedicated to the active involvement of children in research processes, exploring their role as co-researchers.
The teaching is divided into three parts:
- Introduction to research with children. The principles of experimental pedagogy and participatory research with children and adolescents will be presented, with particular attention to cognitive, social, and participatory aspects of their involvement. The theoretical foundations of participation from childhood to adolescence and the methods of organizing participatory research projects will be analyzed through concrete examples.
Designing educational research. In this phase, students will deepen their understanding of the main educational research methodologies, from formulating research questions to choosing the most appropriate tools to involve children.
Practical application. Students will be involved in laboratory activities to promote the development of operational and reflective skills in conducting research in educational settings.

Knowledge and Understanding
Know the fundamental principles of educational and pedagogical research, with particular attention to participatory research with children and adolescents.
Understand key concepts related to the design of participatory educational research with children and adolescents.
Know the ethical and methodological implications of the participation of children and adolescents in research processes.

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding
Know how to design educational research, with particular reference to participatory research with children and adolescents.
Know how to choose appropriate research methodologies to actively involve children and adolescents in investigation processes based on their age.
Know how to identify research tools and techniques in different educational contexts, adapting them to specific contextual needs.

Making Judgments
Know how to critically evaluate participatory educational research methodologies with children and adolescents, recognizing their strengths and critical issues.
Know how to make reasoned decisions in the design of participatory educational research with children and adolescents.
Develop a reflective and critical approach in the selection and application of participatory research strategies with children and adolescents.

Communication Skills
Know how to communicate concepts related to educational research clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Know how to present and argue research proposals in a structured way.
Know how to interact with colleagues and other stakeholders in a critical and collaborative manner.

Learning Skills
Know how to develop self-directed learning, adapting and applying knowledge and skills in different educational research contexts.
Know how to critically reflect on the practical experience of participatory research with children.
Know how to autonomously and critically consult scientific literature and reference sources in the field of educational research.

For this course there are no prerequisites.

First part
Experimental Pedagogy - Participatory Research with Children
Social and Participatory Development of Children and Adolescents
Participation Models for Children and Adolescents
Workshop: Examples of Participatory Projects with Children
Second part
5. Types of Research
6. Literature and Research Questions
7. Population and Sample
8. Variables and Hypotheses
9. Cognitive Development of Children
10. Participatory Research Methods with Children and Adolescents
Third part
11. Workshops on Case Studies

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

written

A. Scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- sufficient knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, making independent judgements;
- sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language.
B. marks in the 23-26 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- discrete knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- discrete ability to collect and/or interpret data, making autonomous judgements;
- fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language.
C. Scores in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- good or very good knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- good or very good ability to collect and/or interpret data, making independent judgements;
- fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language.
D. Honours will be awarded in the presence of knowledge and ability of applied understanding with reference to the
programme, judgement and communication skills, excellent.

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.

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