Assessment 1 consists of a 1500 word report (think of this of this as an essay with headings)
Assessment remit:
Discuss and explore the issues raised by any attempt to undertake and interpret cross-national comparative studies.
The focus for this assessment covers three key areas:
- Discuss and explore the obstacles/challenges faced when undertaking and interpreting comparative research
- Discuss and explore the potential benefits of undertaking and interpreting comparative research
- Discuss and explore the possible Comparative Framework/s or processes that would assist the comparative research process.
In this assessment you are being asked to focus on the process of undertaking comparative research rather than feeling restricted to any specific childcare issue. This means you need to widen your research of the literature beyond childcare related topics. For example, use phrases like ‘comparative research’ or ‘cross-national research’ when searching for sources. You could include childcare or education alongside these phrases to further limit your search, but you are not being asked to only explore literature related to these areas. Focusing your discussion on the process of undertaking comparative research means that you could be reading sources that cover subject areas outside of your comfort zone BUT what is included related to comparative research process is relevant and of interest.
Do make good use of the assessment 1 discussion board forum to post any questions and engage in the assessment 1 peer review process.
Assessment submission sheet (posted in the module under assignments):
Remember to attach a submission sheet and complete the required section at the end of page 2 when you submit your final assessment. Completion of the section is mandatory. If you do not do this, you will not pass the module.
