Università Roma Tre

The course in Experimental Pedagogy provides the student with the opportunity to reflect systematically and consciously on the educational actions implemented by her/him or by others, whether innovative or traditional. The course firstly offers an overview of the basic tools of educational research, aimed at the educator and trainer who want to design concrete research, based on questionnaires, evaluation tests, interviews, interviews and observation sessions, with the aim of gathering useful elements to evaluate the quality of the educational process both at the level of the class group and at the systemic level, questioning the effectiveness of the tools used. The course aims to develop students' understanding of the key concepts and basic principles of the design and methods of experimental educational research, considering its implications for informed decision-making and reflecting on its quality and ethical and philosophical underpinnings. Participants will be introduced to the main experimental research designs in education, the construction of objective evidence, how to use educational technologies and the main national and international surveys on education. In the first part, the historical and theoretical foundations of experimental pedagogy, the birth of the experimental human sciences, and the epistemology of experimental educational research will be explained. In the second part, the discipline will be deepened through the study of the basic tools of educational research, analysing proposals of real projects, the phases of which will also be examined in the light of the theoretical assumptions illustrated in the first part of the course.

Syllabus
- Introduction to the course
- Natural sciences and humanities sciences
- Origins and development of experimental pedagogy
- Epistemology of research
- Formulation of hypotheses
- Variables in humanities research
- Empirical research in education
- Research based on the data matrix
- Research by experiment
- Interpretive research
- Action research
- Case study

Mandatory readings:
Laeng, M. (1992). Pedagogia sperimentale. Nuova Italia. (up to page 54 - PDF available on University platform)
Trinchero R. (2004). I metodi della ricerca educativa, Bari, Laterza.

Please note that the mandatory readings must be studied entirely unless otherwise indicated. The slides discussed in class and related to the main topics of the course will be available on the e-learning platform.

Further readings:
Asquini, G. (Ed.). (2018). La Ricerca-Formazione: Temi, esperienze e prospettive. FrancoAngeli.

Please note that the further readings are not mandatory. However, it is advisable for both attending students and non-attending students to undertake the study of these didactic materials.

Considering the different topics covered in the lessons, the lecturer will provide, as a stimulus and aid to study, handouts, articles, essays and research reports on the course website.

The proposed program aims to explore in depth one of the tools that can be used in educational research: the INTERVIEW.
We will analyze the different types of interviews, the criteria by which to select the type appropriate to the research design, the methods of use and the precautions to be taken into account for a reliable and effective collection of data and information. We will examine the different stages of a research based on the use of this tool.
Finally, we will open a window on the peculiar characteristics of 'qualitative research', exploring the different methods that can be used, especially in socio-educational contexts.

Texts adopted and study materials:
- Donatella Della Porta, L'intervista qualitativa, Laterza 2010
- P. Milani-E. Pegoraro, L'intervista nei contesti socio-educativi: una guida pratica, Carocci 2011
- Handouts and digital materials provided by the teacher during the lessons through the institutional didactic platforms.