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Research and Inquiry Methods: Major Project
Research methods
Students are required to learn about specific research and inquiry methods in both the Preliminary and the HSC courses. The HSC research and inquiry content will be examined in the HSC examination.
Acquiring the knowledge and skills for research and inquiry
Community-based fieldwork
Intellectual and cultural property rightsOUTCOMES
H4.1 investigates, analyses and synthesises information from Aboriginal and other perspectives
H4.2 undertakes community consultation and fieldwork
H4.3 communicates information effectively from Aboriginal perspectives, using a varity of media
H4.4 applies ethical research practicesAcquiring the knowledge and skills for research and inquiry
Teacher consultation with the local Aboriginal community(ies), which is initiated early in the course, will help students to begin establishing local community rapport ready for the completion of their major project, if it is appropriate to their topic.
A whole-class mini-project based around a local theme or issue in the local Aboriginal community(ies) could be undertaken in the Preliminary course to help students to learn the content of, and acquire the skills in, Part IV Research and Inquiry Methods. Initial steps could include the students, teachers and community members deciding on a common topic. Students could then work in small groups and as a class to carry out the mini-project from the project proposal stage and development of the project log, through to the completed product.
Students should be made aware in the Preliminary course that they will be required to complete a major project in the HSC course by early Term 2 in the HSC year and they should commence planning their project as soon as they commence the HSC course.
Generally the teaching of the research and inquiry methods (Part IV) would best be achieved through integration across Parts I-III. However, some of the specific skills and knowledge in Part IV may be better presented as discrete areas of study, e.g. LA1 b, community consultation protocols and fieldwork methodologies.
The suggested application (whether discrete or integrated) of the research and inquiry methods on the following page can be adapted by teachers where appropriate.
Part IV
content best integrated into topicsPart IV
content that would need explicit focusLA1
Acquiring informationc: collecting data from primary sources
g: secondary research including reading texts, reports, bibliographies, accessing opinion polls, government statistics, print
media, CD ROM, Internet and other
appropriate technologies
LA2
Processing informationa: analysing statistical data to interpret meaning and make generalisations
b: converting raw data to a useful format
c: analysing information from a variety of sources
d: judging usefulness and reliability of data
e: identifying propaganda and bias
LA3
Communicating informationa: reflecting Aboriginal viewpoints in
submitted workb: using a variety of media to express ideas
c: speaking to groups and individuals about their research
d: communicating using letters, phone calls, sending e-mails and accessing the Internet and other appropriate technologies for information exchange
LA4
Participating in community
consultationb: examining data to interpret meaning and differentiate between fact and opinion
LA1
Acquiring informationa: outlining methods of investigation and identifying potential resources
b: developing a project proposal, including defining project parameters
d: community consultation protocols and fieldwork methodologies
e: quantitative methodologies such as use of surveys, structured interviews, observation, statistical analysis, focus groups
f: maintaining a log book, including the recording of all fieldwork, correspondence and reading
LA4
Participating in community consultationa: planning an investigation of an issue related to their local community
c: protocols and methods for effective and genuine community consultation
d: the importance of ongoing community
consultatione: cultural differences and sensitivities
f: issues of copyright, ownership and ethical practices
Learn To Learn To 2: examine data to interpret meaning and differentiate between fact and opinion
3: synthesise information from a variety of appropriate sources and perspectives
4:acknowledge the history of the local
area and be sensitive to the impact this may have had on the local Aboriginal community(ies)
7:consider the most appropriate media for presenting information
8:consult with members of the local
Aboriginal community(ies) in a culturally appropriate and ethical way
9: respond to and incorporate feedback from community members
10: use information technologies appropriate to their research
5: maintain accurate and thorough records of all aspects of the project
6:construct a survey which will enable the collection of useful information
11:acknowledge ownership and copyright in the final presentation of project work
Community-based fieldwork
Community-based fieldwork is included in both the Preliminary and HSC course outcomes.
Community-based fieldwork is integral in developing the understanding and knowledge of the culture and history of the local Aboriginal community/ies for the completion of the case
studies within the Preliminary course.The number and location of field visits will be determined by the accessibility of Aboriginal community members or organisations and the knowledge, understanding and skills being developed.
Intellectual and cultural property rights
Knowledge about the intellectual and cultural property rights of Aboriginal peoples is to be taught in Part IV of the Preliminary course (page 22 of the syllabus). Legislation and policy in this area is continually developing. A comprehensive resource for teaching about Australian Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights is;
Our Culture: Our Future - Report on Australian Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights.
All material on this page reproduced with the kind permission of the Board of Studies NSW
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