Conceptual & Methodological Awareness / Research and Scholarship | Degree Level Teaching | Seneca Polytechnic

An understanding of methods of enquiry or creative activity, or both, in their primary area of study that enables the student to

1. evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems using well established ideas and techniques
2. devise and sustain arguments or solve problems using these methods
3. describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research or equivalent advanced scholarship

Methodological awareness is an understanding of how the concepts, theories and assumptions were discovered or developed. Depending on the area of study, this may involve scholarly research (academic or applied) or any other established, prescribed process or technique that leads to a desired outcome. Methodologies may consist of a highly structured series of ordered steps or a less structured, creative approach to discovery.

• Can students critically compare various problem solving methods, choose the better among them and explain the reasons for their choices?
• Are research or problem solving methods taught and evaluated?
• Are students asked to apply these methods to solve a problem?
• Do students interact with current research or scholarly activity in the form of journal articles, scholarly reviews, guest speakers or other forms of knowledge sharing?
• Are students assessed on their ability to incorporate methodological awareness into problem solving or creative activities?

Justify the use of specific screening and assessment tools to identify family and child strengths and needs. (BCD708)

Apply decision-making theories, approaches and models such as the Rational, Organisational, Political and Process models in simulated business case scenarios. (HST410)

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of methods used by psychologists in researching the field. (LSO260)

Research Design: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches by John W Cresswell
An authoritative textbook on research design and methodologies, including discussions on assumptions, literature reviews, the use of theory, ethics and writing. Available from Seneca Libraries.

NCCMT Learning Centre from the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools
The NCCMT provides leadership and expertise in evidence-informed decision making to Canadian public health organizations. It has produced a series of online learning resources relating to quantitative research design, searching for research evidence and the critical appraisal of systematic reviews, qualitative studies and intervention studies.

Teaching Problem-Solving Skills from the University of Waterloo
At tip sheet from the Centre for Teaching Excellence at the University of Waterloo outlining the principles for teaching problem-solving along with an example of a problem-solving model.

Seneca Core Literacies – Creative Thinking; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving