INC4805/101/0/2022

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2022

Research in Inclusive Education

INC4805

Year modules

Department of Inclusive Education

This tutorial letter contains important information about your module.

BARCODE
CONTENTS
Page

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 3
2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES ........................................................................................................ 3
2.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Outcomes ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ............................................................................................ 4
4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS .................................................................................... 4
4.1 Lecturer(s) ...................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Department ..................................................................................................................................... 4
4.3 University ........................................................................................................................................ 6
5 RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 8
5.1 Prescribed book(s) .......................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Recommended book(s) .................................................................................................................. 8
5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ..................................................................................................... 8
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................. 9
6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa ................................................................................ 10
7 STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 10
8 PRACTICAL WORK ..................................................................................................................... 12
9 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 14
9.1 Assessment criteria ...................................................................................................................... 14
9.2 Assessment plan .......................................................................................................................... 16
9.3 Assignment numbers .................................................................................................................... 16
9.3.1 General assignment numbers ....................................................................................................... 16
9.3.2 Unique assignment numbers ........................................................................................................ 16
9.4 Assignment due dates .................................................................................................................. 16
9.5 Submission of assignments .......................................................................................................... 16
9.6 The assignments .......................................................................................................................... 17
9.7 Other assessment methods .......................................................................................................... 26
9.8 The examination ........................................................................................................................... 26
10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .......................................................................................... 27
11 SOURCES CONSULTED ............................................................................................................. 28
12 IN CLOSING ................................................................................................................................. 28

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 INC4805/101/3/2022

Dear Student

Welcome to Research in Inclusive Education module (INC4805). This is one of the modules
of the Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Education qualification. The medium of instruction for
this module is English.

1 INTRODUCTION
This tutorial letter contains important information about the scheme of work for this module, in
addition to certain general and administrative information. A tutorial letter is a means of
communicating with you about all teaching and learning matters related to this module. We urge
you to read it carefully and consult it as you work through the study material, prepare the
assignments and direct questions to your lecturers. Specifically, in this tutorial letter you will find
the assignments and assessment criteria as well as instructions on preparing and submitting the
assignments.

A tutorial letter communicates very important and sometimes urgent information. It is important
that you read it immediately after receiving it and ensure that you are familiar with its contents.
Note that you will receive several tutorial letters pertaining to this module.

2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES

2.1 Purpose

The purpose of this module is to equip you with a sound understanding of the key issues
relating to the conducting of research and professional presentation of the research proposal. It
also aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to interpret, evaluate, judge and
apply the concepts, principles and techniques of appropriate scientific methods of inquiry.

Once you have successfully completed this module, you should be able to think critically and
holistically when dealing with real-life obstacles while conducting research, identifying a
research problem, carrying out a literature review, deciding on a research methodology,
planning a research project and drafting a research proposal. This module will be relevant to
students researching any issue pertaining to the field of Inclusive Education, such as teachers,
education specialists, and other professionals.

2.2 Outcomes

The following outcomes apply:

Specific Outcome Description

Specific Outcome 1 Discuss the importance of research in issues related to

Inclusive Education.

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 Specific Outcome 2 Identify a researchable problem in the field of Inclusive
Education.

Specific Outcome 3 Review literature that is related to Inclusive Education.

Specific Outcome 4 Describe and compare research methods.

Specific Outcome 5 Present a research proposal that promotes effective and

efficient implementation of research.

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter based on five pillars and eight dimensions. In response
to this charter, we have placed curriculum transformation high on the teaching and learning agenda.
Curriculum transformation includes the following pillars: student-centred scholarship, the pedagogical
renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and the infusion
of African epistemologies and philosophies. These pillars and their principles will be integrated at both
programme and module levels as a phased-in approach. You will notice a marked change in the
teaching and learning strategy implemented by Unisa, together with how the content is conceptualised in
your modules. We encourage you to embrace these changes during your studies at Unisa in a
responsive way within the framework of transformation.

4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

4.1 Lecturer(s)

Prof N Phasha
Building 10, Office 00-57, Sunnyside campus
Telephone: 012 481 2810
E-mail: [email protected]

Support Admin Officer

Mr Jonaide Saptoe
Building 10, Office 00-89
Telephone: 012 481 2773
E-mail: [email protected]

Note: Always copy Mr Jonaide Saptoe in all inquiries related to this module, including Turnitin
issues.

4.2 Department

Departmental student support contact details: 012 481 2797 or [email protected]

Department of Inclusive Education
PO Box 392

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 INC4805/101/3/2022

Pretoria
0003

If you have a query for the department, please follow the step-by-step process described in the
attached document below. Begin with step 1 – do not go straight to step 3.

Department of Inclusive Education

STUDENTS’ QUERY GUIDELINE
• You are advised to always start at the first level when raising queries. Do not jump straight to the second or
third levels.
• Type your student number and module code (if the query is module related) in the e-mail subject line.
• Always use your myLife e-mail address to send queries. Replies to your queries will only be sent to your
myLife address.
• If your query is about an error, include a screenshot of what you see on the screen (if you are able to do so).

CATEGORY FIRST LEVEL SECOND LEVEL THIRD LEVEL

If there is no response from

the lecturer or student
support officer within 48 If there is no response
hours, call/forward the query from the teaching and
Contact relevant lecturer (by with a trail of the previous e- learning coordinator’s
e-mail or phone) and copy the mails to office within 24 hours,
student support officer: call/forward the query with
MODULE- a trail of previous e-mails
Departmental Coordinator of
RELATED Mr Madubanya Teaching and Learning to
QUERIES Dr Mkhuma Chair of Department
012 481 2797 012 484 1034 Dr Motitswe
[email protected] [email protected] 012 484 1121
[email protected]
and copy both the a
responsible lecturer and
student support officer

If there is no response from

lecturer/student support
officer within 48 hours,
call/forward the query with a
trail of previous e-mails to

Dr Mkhuma – For If there is no response

Postgraduate Diploma in from the teaching and
Contact relevant lecturer (by Inclusive Education learning coordinator’s
e-mail or phone) and copy the 012 484 1034 office within 24 hours,
POSTGRADUAT student support officer: [email protected] call/forward the query with
E DIPLOMAS a trail of previous e-mails
Mr Madubanya OR to
Chair of Department
012 481 2797 Prof Maguvhe – For Dr Motitswe
[email protected] Postgraduate Diploma in 012 484 1121
Disability Studies [email protected]
012 484 1034 a
[email protected]
a
and copy both the
responsible lecturer and
student support officer

MASTERS AND Contact If there is no response from If there is no response

5
DOCTORAL (by e-mail or phone) the postgraduate admin from the teaching and
STUDIES postgraduate officer within 48 hours, learning coordinator’s
admin officer: call/forward the query with a office within 24 hours,
Mr Setshedi trail of previous e-mails to call/forward the query with
012 481 2720 a trail of previous e-mails
[email protected] Dr Mashau to
012 481 2784 Chair of Department
[email protected] Dr Motitswe
and copy the admin officer 012 484 1121
[email protected] [email protected]
a
Contact If there’s no response within
(by e-mail or phone) 48 hours, forward your
Mr Madubanya query to the departmental
GENERAL 012 481 2797 secretary, Ms Makhanya,
INCLUSIVE [email protected] and copy the
EDUCATION
Chair of Department
QUERIES Dr Motitswe
012 484 1121
[email protected]
If there’s no response within
Exams: 24 hours, forward your
Send an e-mail to query to
[email protected] College coordinator
a Mr Steven Shabangu
and copy lecturer(s) of the [email protected]
module
EXAMS AND a
ASSIGNMENTS Assignments:
General queries –
[email protected]
Module content-specific
queries – Send an e-mail
directly to the lecturer(s) of
the module.

If there’s no response within

48 hours, forward your
query to

Contact College coordinator

APPLICATIONS (by e-mail or phone) Mr Steven Shabangu
AND [email protected] [email protected]
REGISTRATION 012 429 2645 a
MATTERS 012 429 4668
012 429 4106
012 429 6925

4.3 University

Please refer to the brochure Study @ Unisa, which you will have received with your study
material. The brochure contains information on how to contact the university (e.g. to whom to
direct queries, important telephone and fax numbers and addresses and details of the times
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 INC4805/101/3/2022

certain facilities are open). Always be able to quote your student number when you contact the
University.

Below, find helpful e-mail addresses for enquiring about issues other than this module.

Enquiry E-mail address

General enquiries [email protected]

Application- and registration-related [email protected]

enquiries (prospective and registered
students)
Assignment enquiries [email protected]

Examination enquiries [email protected]

Study material enquiries [email protected]

Student account enquiries [email protected]

Graduation enquiries [email protected]

Assistance with myUnisa [email protected]

Assistance with myLife e-mail account [email protected]

You may also want to send an SMS to 32695 for more information on how to contact Unisa (this
number is available only to students within the borders of South Africa). Once you have done
so, you will receive an auto-response SMS with various SMS options. The SMS will cost you
only R1.

You can also SMS enquiries directly to:

43578 for applications and registration

43584 for assignments
43584 for examinations
43579 for study material
43582 for myUnisa and myLife accounts
43554 for student accounts

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These SMSs are charged at a nominal fee. These SMS numbers are available only to students
residing in South Africa. International students are urged to make use of the e-mail address:
[email protected]

5 RESOURCES
5.1 Prescribed book(s)

There is no prescribed book for this module.

5.2 Recommended book(s)

The following books are recommended, and they can be purchased from Van Schaik Publishers
and/or Oxford University Press. (These books cannot be ordered from the library.):
1. De Vos, A.S., Strydom, H., Fouché, C.B., & Delport, C.S.L. (2011). Research at grass
roots: for the social sciences and human service professions. 4th ed. Van Schaik,
Pretoria
2. Babbie E., Mouton, J., Vorster, P., & Prozesky, B. (2001) The practice of social research.
Oxford University Press: Cape Town, South Africa
3. Okeke, C and Van Wyk, M (2015) Educational Research- An African Approach. Oxford
University Press. Cape Town, South Africa

Recommended books can be requested online, via the Library catalogue.

5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

Useful Reading Materials Recommended for INC4805

1. Allen, J & Slee R. 2008. Doing inclusive education research. Rotterdam: Sense
Publishers.

2. Anafara, VA & Mertz, NT. 2015. Theoretical frameworks in qualitative research. LA:
SAGE publications.

3. Babbie E & Mouton, J (2009). The practice of social research. Cape Town: Oxford
Publishers. Cape Town

4. Creswell JW (2014) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods

Approaches. (4th Ed). London: Sage Publications

5. De Vos AS, Strydom H, Fouché CB & Delport CSL. Research at grass roots. For the
social sciences and human service professions. (4th ed). Pretoria: Van Schaik
Publishers.

6. Kumar, S. 2005. Research methodology: a step-by-step guide for beginners. (2nd ed).
London: SAGE.

Maree, K. 2016. First steps in research. (2nd ed). Pretoria: Van Schaik Publishers. Patton, MQ.
2002. Qualitative research & evaluation methods. (3rd ed). London: SAGE.
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E-reserves can be downloaded from the Library catalogue. More information is available at
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request

5.4 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:

• For a general Library overview, go to

https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/About-the-Library
Library @ a glance
• For detailed Library information, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
• For research support and services (eg personal librarians and literature search services), go
to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Research-support

The Library has created numerous Library guides to assist you: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• Request recommended books and access e-reserve material:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request
• Requesting and finding library material: Postgraduate services:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
• Finding and using library resources and tools (Research Support):
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/research-support
• Frequently asked questions about the library:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
• Services to students living with disabilities:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability
• A-Z databases:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/az.php
• Subject-specific guides:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/?b=s
• Information on fines & payments:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/fines

Assistance with technical problems accessing the Unisa Library or resources:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport

[email protected] (insert your student number in the subject line please)

General library enquiries can be directed to [email protected]

6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa website is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

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This website has all the tips and information you need to succeed at Unisa.

6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa

For many students, the transition from school education to tertiary education is beset with
anxiety. This is also true for first-time students to Unisa. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and
e-learning institution. Unlike face-to-face/contact institutions, Unisa is somewhat different. It is a
mega university, and all our programmes are offered through a blended learning mode or fully
online learning mode. It is for this reason that we thought it necessary to offer first-time students
additional/extended support so that you can seamlessly navigate the Unisa teaching and
learning journey with little difficulty and few barriers. In this regard we offer a specialised student
support programme to students entering Unisa for the first time. We refer to this programme as
Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme. The FYE is designed to provide you with
prompt and helpful information about services that the institution offers and how you can access
information. The following FYE programmes are currently offered:

• FYE website: All the guides and resources you need to navigate through your first year at
Unisa can be accessed using the following link: www.unisa.ac.za/FYE

• FYE e-mails: You will receive regular e-mails to help you stay focused and motivated.

• FYE broadcasts: You will receive e-mails with links to broadcasts on various topics related to
your first-year studies (eg videos on how to submit assignments online).

• FYE mailbox: For assistance with queries related to your first year of study, send an e-mail
to [email protected]

7 STUDY PLAN
The Study @ Unisa brochure contains valuable information on where to begin with your studies.
In this module, we want to help you develop the abilities which are characteristic of an
academically disciplined person; that is, the ability to think intelligently and constructively and to
argue rationally. To acquire these abilities, you must systematically tackle the problems that you
encounter in this module. Try to adopt a critical attitude to everything you read.

This module is about research in Inclusive Education, and so you will be required to undertake
research relevant to this field, having identified a suitable researchable problem in this area. As
part of this, you will be required to review relevant literature in the area you intend to specialise
in, and you will also be required to identify and select research methods that are relevant to the
topic and/or researchable problem you have identified. The research output or assessment
that we have set for this module takes the form of a scientific research proposal dealing
with an issue relating to the field of Inclusive Education.

Try to adopt a critical attitude to everything you read. Study the material, interpret it, make sure
you understand it, and ensure that you can discuss it critically and supplement it with new ideas,
expressing yourself in your own words. It is a good idea to consult recent research methodology
sources to gain critical insight into research matters.
If you have trouble with a part of the module at first reading, begin by re-reading it carefully. If
the difficulty persists, please e-mail us or make an appointment to see us and we will gladly
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assist you. Develop a plan for your studies that takes all the activities in each day into account.
Because each person has unique study preferences and styles, you should develop your own
study plan that will suit your individual commitments and needs.

Do not simply read your study material passively, as this will be a waste of valuable time. As
you read your study material, be systematic and make good summaries of the main points and
subdivisions. Try to reduce each chapter to a solid framework (outline), which you can fill in as
you study. This advice may sound awkward, but it is the best method of mastering a large
volume of study material.

Each assignment is designed to help you put together a sound and scientific research proposal,
which you will submit as your final assessment. Therefore, it is important to start developing
your study plan early on, taking the due dates as guidance.

We suggest that you note down the tentative due dates for all the assignments that you have to
submit this year and compile a study plan for each module structured around the due dates.
You are welcome to use the table below as a guideline in planning your studies for INC4805.

STARTING DATES/ ACTIVITY

TENTATIVE DUE
STATES
March 2022  Familiarise yourself with the module content and ensure that
you have all materials you need.

 Read all assignments, note down submission dates, and

collect necessary materials for your assignments.

 Introduce yourself to your lecturers and peers.

 Join the Discussion Forum on myUnisa.

April 2022
 Start working on Assignment 01.

 Read Unit 1 and the recommended sources.

April 2022

May 2022
 Start working on Assignment 02.

 Read Unit 1 and 2, including recommended sources.

June 2022

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 June 2022
 Start working on Assignment 03.

 Read Unit 3 and recommended sources.

July 2022

July 2022
 Start working on Assignment 04

 Read Unit 4.

September 2022

September 2022 Start working on your research proposal (portfolio).

 Combine all your assignments and make improvements on

the basis of feedback given by lecturers.

 Include your references (APA style, preferably 7th edition).

 Edit your work for language and technical errors.

 Submit your work to TurnitIn to detect plagiarism.

 Ask a critical reviewer or peer to have a look at your work, if

you would like to.

 Read Unit 5

 Revise Units 1-4

October 2022

8 PRACTICAL WORK
For this module, all assignments require that you put theory into practice. The module will help
you gain a sound understanding of the key issues relating to the conducting of research and
professional presentation of research findings in a variety of contexts. The module also aims to
provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to interpret, evaluate, judge and apply the
concepts, principles and techniques of appropriate scientific methods of inquiry. At the end of

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the module, you will have compiled a scientific research proposal on an issue relating to
Inclusive Education.

8.1. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the dishonest act of taking the words, ideas and scholarship of others and passing
them off as your own. It is a form of theft. If you are found guilty of plagiarism, you may be
penalised, or the University may take disciplinary steps against you.

To avoid being guilty of plagiarism, in your academic work you must put forward original
arguments expressed in your own words. You are allowed to include a few short, relevant
quotations, but these must be correctly referenced. It is unethical and unacceptable to hand in
assignments that are not your own work, and whenever the University becomes aware of such
malpractices, it will take stern measures against the student concerned. Although students are
allowed to work together when preparing assignments, each student must write and submit his
or her own individual assignment.
Please study The Disciplinary Code for Students (2004), which is given to all students at
registration. Sections 2.1.13 and 2.14 (2004:3–4) are particularly important. Also read the
University’s policy on copyright infringement and plagiarism.

Complete the declaration below and submit it with every assignment that you submit.
Your assignment will not be marked if it is not accompanied by the declaration.

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DECLARATION

I, …………………………………………………………………
(Name and surname)
Student number: …………………………
Module code: ……………………………
hereby declare the following:

I understand Unisa's policy on plagiarism. This assignment is original work that I produced by
myself. I have duly acknowledged all sources (both electronic and print) that I have consulted by
means of the proper referencing technique as stipulated for this module.

I have not copied the work of others and handed it in as my own. I have also not made my work
available to any other students to submit as their own.

8.2. Referencing
Ensure that you reference your work adequately and accurately to avoid accusations of
plagiarism. Referencing means that:

• your argument is clearly supported by evidence

• your lecturer can see that you have read widely and that you fully understand the work
• your reader can find your sources
• your work will reflect expected academic values and good academic practice

As a postgraduate student, you need to learn and apply the appropriate referencing style during
the course of your writing and also when compiling your reference list. In this module, you are
expected to use the Harvard Referencing Style in your assignments. For examples and further
guidance on referencing a wide range of sources, see the document below:

9 ASSESSMENT
9.1 Assessment criteria

Assessment for this module will take place by means of five (5) compulsory assignments,
culminating in the submission of the research proposal. You must submit all your written
assignments online via myUnisa. No assignment should be submitted directly to the lecturer or
the admin support staff.

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Assignments are seen as part of the learning material for this module. As you do the
assignments, study the reading texts, consult other resources, discuss the work with fellow
students or do research, you are actively engaged in learning. Looking at the assessment
criteria given for each assignment will help you understand what is required of you more clearly.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME ASSESMENT CRITERIA

Specific Outcome 1: Discuss Reasons for undertaking research in disability issues are
the importance of research in explained.
issues related to Inclusive
Education. Elements of research in disability issues are described.

The functions of each element of research in disability issues

are interrogated.
Specific Outcome 2: Identify Real-life problems related to disability issues are identified.
a researchable problem in the
field of Inclusive Education. Problem statements related to disability issues are presented
in acceptable scientific language.
Specific Outcome 3: Review Relevant literature on disability issues is reviewed.
literature that is related to
Inclusive Education.
Gaps in research related to disability issues are identified.

Reasons for undertaking specific research related to

disability issues are justified.

Contribution of proposed research related to disability issues

is formulated.

Relevant theoretical framework related to disability issues is

selected.
Specific Outcome 4: Research methods are identified and described.
Describe and compare
research methods. Research methods categorised and compared.

A research method that is suitable for individual research is

selected and justified.

Research method is applied to an identified problem.

Specific Outcome 5: Present Steps of writing a scientific research proposal are outlined.
a research proposal that
promotes effective and A scientific research proposal is presented.
efficient implementation of
research.

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9.2 Assessment plan

This module is using a continuous assessment. This means that you are not going to write any
examination, but that all the assignments that you completed throughout the year will contribute
towards your final mark. Assessment takes the form of demonstration of knowledge of
theoretical aspects and structured activities.

To complete this module, you will be required to submit FIVE (5) compulsory assessment
activities, comprising Four (4) assignments and a Research Proposal. These four assignments
will contribute 40% to your year mark. The Research Proposal will contribute 60% to your final
mark for the module. You must achieve an average of 50% to pass the module. In order to
achieve a distinction, you must achieve 75% or more for the year mark (average of your
assignment marks) to qualify to obtain access to the examination.

9.3 Assignment numbers

9.3.1 General assignment numbers

Assignment numbers to be announced online

9.3.2 Unique assignment numbers

Unique numbers to be announced online

9.4 Assignment due dates

Assignment dates included in this tutorial (see the section on Study Plan) are tentative. The final
due dates for assignments will be made available to you online in February, 2022. Please log
on to your myUnisa site for this module to obtain more information on the due dates for the
submission of the assignments.

9.5 Submission of assignments

Modules offered by Unisa are either blended (meaning that we use a combination of printed and
online material to engage with students) or online (all information is available via the Internet). In
all cases of online engagement, we use myUnisa as our virtual campus. From 2022 the
myUnisa virtual campus will be offered via a new Learning Management System. A Learning
Management System is an online system that is used to administer, document, deliver
educational material and support engagement with students.

Please be on the lookout for information from your lecturer as well as other Unisa platforms to
determine how to access your virtual myUnisa module site. Information as to the tools that will
be available to engage with the lecturer and fellow students to support your learning will also be
communicated via various communication platforms. The University undertakes to communicate
as clearly and as frequently as is necessary to ensure optimum advantage in the use of the new
Learning Management System.

All information on when and where to submit your assignments will be made available to you via
the myUnisa site for your module. Additional information on the use of the myUnisa site for the
module, as well as features to engage and communicate with your lecturer and other students
will also be made available via the online site for the module. Therefore, please log on to the

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myUnisa site for your module to gain more information on where to complete and/or upload your
assignments and how to communicate with your lecturer.

9.6 The assignments

As indicated in Section 9.2, you need to complete all (Five) assignments for this module. Detail
on the assignments is presented in this section.

Assignment 01

Read the research article supplied and answer the questions that follow. Click on the link below
to access the research article: https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2021.1917525

Details of the articles are as follows:

Taneja-Johansson S, Singal N & Samson, M. (2021). Education of Children with disabilities in

rural Indian Government Schools: A long road to Inclusion. International Journal of Disability,
Development and Education (16 pages).

i. Identify the key elements of research in this paper.

ii. Explain how the following research elements are dealt with in the paper.
• Title
• Statement of the problem
• Rationale
• Research question (Main and Sub-questions)
• Purpose (Aim and Objective/s)
• Literature (Relevance of the literature)
• Research Methods
iii. Make some suggestions as to how the paper could be improved

Assessment for Rubric for Assignment 01.

COMPONENT CRITERIA POOR/F GOOD EXCELLENT

AIR (50-69%) (70-100%)
(0-49%)

Key elements of At least 5 research elements

the research
(5)

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Topic/Title Description — length of the title;
its specificity; relevance of the
topic to the field of Inclusive
Education; and whether the
(5) topic reflects the content of the
paper.

Introduction The structure, focus, authors’

(10) justification of the study.

Statement of the A critical discussion about how

problem the authors have stated the
(10) research problem in the paper.

Rationale Description about why the topic

is worth being investigated, and
(10) its contribution to scholarship.

Research Critical analysis about how the

question/s authors have stated the
research questions (broader or
(5) specific terms, answerability,
feasibility, ethical, clarity).

Purpose Critical analysis of how authors

(5) have provided details about
what the study/paper seeks to
achieve, including how the
purpose was stated.

Literature Relevance of the literature, how

Review it is organised, gaps identified,
(10) contribution.

Research Identification of research

Methods methods used, data collection
(10) instruments, rationale for
choosing the methods,
procedures followed.

Suggestions for Identification of areas for

improvement improvement, justifications (how
(10) they will improve the paper).

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 INC4805/101/3/2022

Technical Ability to follow instructions,

requirements edited work for language and
(20) technical errors, evidence of
plagiarism, structure of the
work, referencing.

Total mark:
100%

Assignment 02

Identify a problem in the field of Inclusive Education and formulate the research
statement for it.

Now that you are familiar with the key elements of research, you can start working on your own
research proposal. The first stage involves identifying a problem in the field of Inclusive
Education and formulating a clear and detailed research statement in a clear and detail way.
You may find the following list of things to include helpful:
i. The title or topic of the problem you have identified
ii. The statement of the problem you wish to investigate
iii. A detailed description of your research problem
iv. Motivation for investigating the problem you have identified — in this regard, consider
the following:
• What is currently known about the problem?
• Existing gaps
• How your study would contribute to the field of Inclusive Education? (You should
support this with evidence from reliable sources.)
v. The purpose of this study
• Aim (stated broadly)
• Two to three objectives (specific)
vi. The research question that will guide the investigation of the problem (You would
align this with the purpose of your study.)
• Main research question (This is aligned with the aim of the research.)
• Sub-questions (These are smaller research questions that will help you answer
the main research question, and are aligned with the objectives. They should be
specific and open. Avoid questions that seek Yes/No answers].

Note: You are required to support your arguments with reliable sources, and acknowledge
these properly.
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Assessment Rubric for Assignment 02

COMPONENT CRITERIA POOR/F GOOD EXCELLE

AIR (50- NT
(0-49%) 69%) (70-100%)

Topic The topic reflects the problem

(5) statement.
The length of the topic is acceptable
(10-12 words).
It is formal.
It is meaningful.
The terms and phrases used accurately
highlight the content of the problem
stated.

Statement of the The problem is interesting.

problem The problem is relevant to the field of
(10) Inclusive Education.
The problem is specific and focused.
The problem is researchable.
The problem is ethical.

Detailed description The ideal: Description of the desired

of the research goal/ideal situation.
problem The reality: Description of the condition
(25) that prevents the goal to be achieved –
explaining the shortfalls of the current
situation.
The consequence: Explanation of the
way you propose to improve the current
situation to move closer to the goal.
The literature used to support the
arguments.
Motivation/Rationale Provide a background of the problem
(20) (covering what is known about the
problem).
Identify existing gaps.
Outline the need for your topic to be
investigated.
Contribution of the study to scholarship/
policy/ practice.
Purpose of the study The purpose of the study is clearly
(10) articulated.
The main aim of the study is stated, and
it is aligned to the main research of the
study.
Two to three objectives of the study are
stated, and in are in alignment with the
sub-research questions of the study.

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 INC4805/101/3/2022

Research questions The main research question is stated

(10) (only one).
Two to three sub-research questions
are stated.
The questions are stated appropriately.
Technical Instructions were followed.
requirements Attention to spelling and grammar.
(20) Inclusion of the list of references in
appropriate style – APA/Harvard, and so
on.
Technical issues and the
structure/presentation of the work
Evidence that the work was subjected to
TurnitIn and the similarity score is below
30%.
Total Mark
100%

Assignment 03

Provide a well-structured and well-considered review of literature related to your

research problem.
This question requires that you situate your research problem within the broader debates, while
demonstrating that your work is original and innovative. The following guidelines should help
you in writing your literature review section:

i. Identify 12-15 sources which are relevant to the problem you identified in Assignment
02. (These sources must have been published between 2015 and 2022. They should
be scholarly articles/chapters/books or policies. Avoid using textbooks.)
ii. Review the sources. (Provide a description, summary, and critical evaluation.)

Note the following:

• Focus on the literature relevant to your research problem.

• Cite evidence to support any statement you make.
• Compare different arguments, theories and findings expressed in the literature.
• Summarise and critique the literature – do not simply reproduce the work of other authors
verbatim.
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 • Be selective – select the most important points that are relevant to your research
problems.
• You are welcome to use short quotes but do so sparingly.
• Let us hear your voice – this can be done by starting and/or ending the paragraphs with
your own ideas and wording. This will demonstrate how your work draws upon, departs
from, or build on the literature.
• Ensure that the sources you are using are recent and acknowledged properly.
This assignment must be structured intelligently to help the reader understand the
arguments underpinning your study in relation to the scholarship of other researchers.
We recommend that you divide your literature review into sections or according to
themes and make use of appropriate headings.

Rubric for evaluating Assignment 03

CONTENT OF CRITERIA POOR/F GOOD EXCELLE

ASSIGNMENT AIR (0- (50- NT (70-
49%) 69%) 100%)

Sources

Number (5%) 12-15 sources

Dates (5%) Between 2016-2021

Type (5%) Scholarly/Report/Policies

Relevance (5%) Related to the student’s topic/research

problem)

Review
(Description,
Summary and
Critical
evaluation)

Description Description of important points (not

(20%) reproduction of the author’s words
verbatim).

Interpretation of the literature is

correct.

Statements made are supported with

evidence.

The use of short quotes is allowed, but

sparingly.

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 INC4805/101/3/2022

Summary The work is synthesized, rephrased,

(20%) and related to their own problem
statement (Indicating how student’s
own work departs from, draw upon the
literature).

Critical Various arguments are presented

evaluation (rather than those that validate
(20%) student's belief/s).

Student’s voice is heard (student has

used her own ideas and words).

Technical
requirements

Organisation of Presented into sections/themes.

the work
(10%) Use of appropriate headings.
Technical Instructions were followed.
(10%)
The work is edited for language
(grammar and spelling).

Referencing is appropriate and

consistent throughout.

Technical errors have been

addressed.

The work has been checked for

plagiarism (Turnitin).
Total mark:
100%

Assignment 04

Provide a detailed discussion of the methods you plan to follow to investigate the
research problem you have identified.

This assignment requires you to convince the reader that you will carry out the investigation
correctly. The following guidelines should help you:

i. Describe your research method/approach (qualitative/quantitative/mixed method) and

state its relevance to your research problem.
ii. Describe the philosophical assumptions embedded in your research method
(positivist/post-positivist, constructivist, critical and etc.)
iii. Explain why you choose that particular method in preference to other methods.

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 iv. Identify and describe a suitable research type/design and justify your choice (case
study/phenomenology/grounded theory, and so on), and justify your choice.
v. Identify and explain the data collection techniques you will follow to investigate your
research problem.
vi. Describe your data analysis strategy.
vii. Explain how you will sample your participants and state the size of your sample
viii. Explain how you plan to adhere to sound research ethics.

Note the following:

No research method is perfect. There are inherent shortcomings in all methods, and these may
surface during the research process. In your discussions, you should therefore acknowledge
any potential problem and explain how you plan to deal with it. It is always better to
acknowledge this than to have it brought up by your reader.

Rubric for evaluating Assignment 04

CONTENT OF CRITERIA POOR/FA GOOD EXCELLE

ASSIGNMENT IR (50- NT
80% (0-49%) 69%0 (70-
100%)
Research Approach The method is stated.
(Qualitative/Quantitative
/ Mixed method) The method is described.
(10%)
Motivation/Justification of choice is
provided.
Philosophical Philosophical position is stated.
assumptions
(positivist/post- Philosophical assumptions are
positivist, described [Ontology, Epistemology,
constructivist, critical Axiology and Methodological).
and etc.)
(10%) Motivation in relation to the
research problem/questions and
research approach.
Research Design (case Design stated.
study/phenomenology/g
rounded theory, and so Design described.
on)
(10%) Justification of choice provided (in
relation to research
problem/questions/aim of the study;
why; why not other design).

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 INC4805/101/3/2022

Data collection Data collection methods stated.

techniques (interviews,
document analysis etc) Data collection methods described.
(15%)
Justification for choice provided (in
relation to the aim of the study,
research problem/aim; linked to
philosophical assumptions).
Data analysis strategy Data analysis strategy stated.
(Thematic, content
analysis) Data analysis strategy described.
(10%)
Justification for the choice for the
strategy provided.
Sampling of Sampling strategy stated.
participants
(10%) Sampling strategy described and
justified.

Sampling size provided and

justified.

Adherence to research All research ethics stated and

ethics described.
(15%)
Explanation of how the study will
adhere to the research ethics.

Potential risks identified.

Explanation on how to deal with

potential risks is provided.
Technical requirements
(20%)
Organisation of the Presented into sections/themes.
work
(5%) Use of appropriate headings.

Technical Instructions were followed.

(15%)
The work is edited for language
(grammar and spelling) .

Referencing is appropriate and

consistent throughout.

Technical errors have been

addressed.

The work has been checked for

plagiarism (Turnitin).

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 Total – 100%

9.7 Other assessment methods

There will be no other assessment methods.

9.8 The examination

As this is a continuous assessment module, there will be no formal examinations for this
module. You will submit the RESEARCH PROPOSAL, comprising of the work you have done
in completing your assignments thus far (Assignment 02 to 04). It is important that you
complete and do well in each of the assignments provided. In cases where your marks are not
satisfactory, you need to contact the lecturer to discuss options of engaging in a process of
improving the marks for those assignments.

You will compile your research proposal as follows:

• Combine all the assignments you have completed thus far.

• Make improvements in identified areas on the basis of the feedback given by your
lecturers. (You are allowed to expand your literature review.)

• Include all your references (following the APA style).

• Edit your work for language and technical errors.

• Submit your work to Turnitin.

• You are allowed to obtain critical feedback from your peers or any experienced
researcher.

• Submit your research proposal online via myUnisa to be marked onscreen. (Your
research proposal will not be printed.)

• Your research proposal must be submitted as a PDF file.

• You can use your research proposal when applying to study for a Masters in Inclusive
Education.

• Your research proposal must not be longer than 30 pages.

The research proposal should incorporate the following elements:

1. Personal details
2. Details about the module (module name and code)
3. Unique number (to be provided on myUnisa)
4. Table of Contents
5. Title (on a separate page)
6. Brief introduction/background

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 INC4805/101/3/2022

7. Problem statement
8. Purpose (aim and objectives)
9. Research questions
10. Rationale
11. A well-structured literature review
12. Research method/approach
13. Research type/design
14. Research paradigms
15. Sampling method
16. Sample size
17. Instrumentation/data collection techniques
18. Data analysis method
19. Research ethics
20. Definition of key terms
21. Conclusion
22. List of References (not bibliography)
23. Appendices

10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The brochure entitled Study @ Unisa contains an A–Z guide covering the most relevant
information. However, some frequently asked questions in relation to this module are:
Question: I need an extension of time for the submission of my assignment. How do I
apply for one?

Answer: Please note no extensions whatsoever beyond the due dates for the assignments will
be granted.

Question: I do not have Internet access. What do I do?

Answer: The University has entered into partnerships with telecentres in various locations
across South Africa to provide Unisa students with free access to computers and the Internet.
This will allow you to register online, submit assignments online, participate in e-tutoring
activities and signature courses, and so on. However, you will have to cover the cost of other
services, such as printing and photocopying, yourself. For more information about the

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telecentres, please visit www.unisa.ac.za/telecentre. Please note that you can also access the
Internet at all Unisa regional offices.

Question: I have not received a particular tutorial letter/I have lost a particular tutorial
letter. Will my lecturer be able to send me another copy?

Answer: You can download the tutorial letter and other study materials on myUnisa.

11 SOURCES CONSULTED
• Study Guide for INC4805

• Sources recommended in the Study Guide

12 IN CLOSING
Please feel free to contact your lecturers if you encounter any problems or even if you just want
to talk about the work. We hope that you will enjoy this module and we wish you every success
with your studies.

©
Unisa 2022

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