32109 - Investigation and Intervention Techniques in Educational Contexts

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Design and implement research/intervention projects using appropriate research questions, a relevant methodology, consistent with prevailing legal and professional standards.
• Develop and apply a range of research instruments (e.g. questionnaires, interview schedules, observation protocols) to collect data and to link linking assessment information to the development of strategies.

Course contents

The course will take place during the first semester (from September 24th until mid-December 2018) at the Cesena Campus of the School of Psychology and Education (address: p.za A. Moro, 90 Cesena, FC).

Course Prerequisites are background knowledge in developmental and educational psychology, as well as in research methodology. To apply for the School and Community Psychology Master, students are required to demonstrate the required level of knoweldge.

The course contents are integrated with the contents of other courses of the program. This “integrated” approach will provide students with connections among courses/disciplines and provide a deeper understanding of contents touched upon in previous courses.

Course program:

1. Role and functions of school psychologists and status of the profession of school psychology in Italy, Europe and internationally:

• Italian and International professional associations and their role in promoting the profession of school psychology

2. Professional practice of school psychologists:

• Evidence-based models and methods (e.g. NASP model)
• Ethical issues in professional practice (e.g. ISPA code of conduct)

3. Research / Intervention design and implementation:

• Organization and operation of the Italian school system and educational policies at the local, regional, and national levels;
• School as organization and educational agency;
• Purposes, characteristics, strengths and limitations of formal and informal models and methods of assessment for data collection (e.g., interviewing techniques, behavioral observation; questionnaires;)
• The process of linking assessment results with the development of interventions.
• How to write a final report for key stake stakeholders (i.e. parents, teachers, other relevant professionals, lay Readers)

Readings/Bibliography

Articles and materials presented during the lessons are required to successfully pass the exam.

International students (e.g. incoming Erasmus students) who encounter difficulties in Italian language use, may ask the teacher for textbooks written in English and take the final examination in English:

Jimerson, S. R., Oakland, T.D., & Farrell, P. T. (Eds), (2006). The Handbook of International School Psychology. Thousand Oacks, CA: Sage.(Chapters 45, 48, 49 + one Country chapter).

Additional reading (for student who lack of methodological knowledges):

Mertens D. M. (1998). Research methods in education and psychology : integrating diversity with quantitative & qualitative approaches. Thousand Oaks ; London ; New Delhi : Sage.

Teaching methods

Lectures, discussion of casee, individual or group practical activites, discussion of scientific articles, seminars given by professionals.  

Assessment methods

Regularly attending students (at least 80% of class):

Oral exam based on written product (a Project Work to be realized on an individual basis).

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance.

The Project Work consists of:

-obtain, critically select and use information from a range of sources in school psychology and design an intervention in school psychology.

The final oral examination (which takes place about a week after the course end date) consists of a discussion of the Project Work in which the teacher asks the examiner to elaborate on various aspects of the presentation and/or report and on questions on relevant theories and methods presented during the course.

Through the Project Work and the oral examination the teacher will assess the students' achievement of the desired Learning Outcomes.

Students NOT attending at least 80% of class:

The final exam is held after the teaching period and is a written test. Two dates are offered during each exam period (Jan/Feb; June/July; Sept/Opt.) and students can choose which date they wish to take the exam. They are also entitled to turn down a mark and take the exam again if they are not satisfied with the result.

The exam timetable is published on Almaesami about four weeks before exams. In order to be admitted to the exam, you must book your exam session on Almaesami. If you miss the deadline to book your exam session on Almaesami (usually two days before the exam date), contact the teacher via email as soon as possibile.

http://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/online-services/online-services-for-students-1/guide-to-online-student-services/almaesami

The final examination is 2 hours in duration and consists of two short- answer questions (or two mini-essays), and an essay-question based around a 'work based' scenario.

The exam will assess students' achievement of the desired Learning Outcomes. In specific:

• Knowledge and design of school psychology services/activities consistent with prevailing professional standards.
• Design and implementation of research/intervention projects using appropriate research questions and a relevant methodology;
• Knowledge and application of data collection instruments (e.g. questionnaires, interview schedules, observation protocols).

The final exam will be graded according to a scale ranging from 0 to 30, with 18 as a pass mark. A "cum laude" may be added to the highest grade (30 e lode) as a mention of special distinction.

Grade calculation. Each short-answer question: 8 scores maximum; essay-question: 14 scores maximum (total: 30/30)

International students can take the exam in English.

 

Teaching tools

Content is presented using a variety of means and media including narrated PowerPoint lectures, lecture transcripts, textbooks, research articles, self-tests, practical exercises, and web-based (e-Platform: Alma Digital Library; http://almadl.unibo.it/)) supplemental resources to encourage further learning. Learning activities are closely aligned with overall course goals and objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Cristina Matteucci