Educational Policy Analysis: Conceptual and Qualitative Approaches

Module Instructor: Dr. Jude Walker

The approaches to analysing educational policy are myriad, and include qualitative, quantitative, and conceptual approaches. Policy analysis, in other words, is not a methodology, but rather there are many methods and concepts researchers can draw on to make sense of policy. As educational policy researcher, Stephen Ball (1994), famously argued, we need a “toolbox” replete with a variety of methods and theories in order to truly understand policy. This course introduces students to a handful of qualitative methodologies and theoretical frameworks of educational policy analysis. Unlike some other policy analysis courses, found in Public Policy schools or other Faculties of Education, an explicit core assumption of the course is that both institutional and social educational policy and policymaking are underpinned by competing and conflicting values and interests held by various stakeholders, and that policy, whether in text or in operationalisation, cannot be understood as an entirely rational endeavour nor following a linear process.

How this module works:
This module has been designed for graduate students in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia. However, students in other faculties, may also find this module useful. In this module, you will be asked to do the following:

• Complete the preliminary questionnaire
• Watch the video lectures
• Read the required materials before watching the video lectures
• Use the suggested assignments in full, or modify to create your own
• Consult the resources section when needed

IMPORTANT LOGIN INFORMATION: All modules are hosted on EdX Edge. Once you sign in with your CWL you will be directed to the module. If you this is your first time using the platform you will need to create a user login with EdX Edge. Subsequent logins to other modules will use the same user login information.