UV9265 – Equity and Equality in Education: Concepts, Methods, and Evidence

Course content

Educational equity and equality are key goals for a sustainable society, inclusion, and democracy. Yet, research on educational equality and equity is fragmented, and there is a need to gather and clarify concepts, theories, methods, and evidence for further research. This course consists of three modules:

Module 1: Conceptualizations and Theories:

The first part of this course describes relevant concepts and theories of equity and equality in education. The field of research on educational equality and equity is scattered and includes theories from many fields, such as sociology, psychology, economics, and education. In this module, we summarize and organize the different conceptualizations and theoretical frameworks.

Module 2: Methodology:

Operationalizations and measures of educational equality and equity are presented in the second course module. Moreover, we demonstrate the impact of different study designs and methods of analysis on the indicators of equality and equity, research findings, and the respective inferences that can be drawn. We further provide an overview of the different data sources to make visible equality and equity and discuss the importance of reporting transparency and study quality.

Module 3: Evidence:

The last course module reviews evidence on socioeconomic, gender, immigrant, and other inequalities from several research fields, data sources, and study designs. Specifically, we present key research syntheses, national and international large-scale assessments, and other primary studies in education to highlight trends and patterns in the body of research evidence and existing research gaps.

Learning outcome

In this course, students will:

• Acquire knowledge of the key concepts and theories of educational equality and equity;
• Develop the skills to identify the impact of different study designs and methods of analyses on the research evidence and to understand how measures and operationalizations of equality and equity depend on the theoretical foundations and matter for the outcome;
• Gain knowledge of some key findings regarding the level of educational equality and its development for Norway and internationally.

Admission to the course

PhD candidates at the Faculty of Educational Sciences will be given priority, but it is also possible for others to apply for the course.

Max. number of participants: 25

The deadline for registration is on the corresponding semester page for the course. 

Candidates admitted to a PhD-program at the Faculty of Educational Sciences (UV) can apply in StudentWeb.

Other applicants can apply by filling out and sending in an electronic registration form, which is found on the corresponding semester page for the course. 

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Master`s degree.

Recommended previous knowledge

Some knowledge of basic quantitative methodology is required to support the understanding of the empirical examples and hands-on activities.

Teaching

Module 1: teaching consists of short lectures, small-group discussions, and other forms of collaborative learning.

Module 2: teaching consists of short lectures and hands-on examples, where students can engage in data analyses, interpretation, and evaluation.

Module 3: teaching consists of an introductory lecture, short presentations from the guest lecturers, and facilitated panel discussions.

All three modules consist of in-person and onsite lessons where 80% attendance is required.

Lectures are held mainly by Professor Ronny Scherer of the Centre for Educational Measurement (CEMO) and Researcher Trude Nilsen of the Department for Teacher Education and School Research (ILS).

A number of guest lecturers affiliated with the Centre for Research on Equality in Education (CREATE) (to be announced) are on the program.

Schedule and literature: Please see the applicable semester page for the course. 

 

Compulsory activity: Minimum 80% attendance and approved.

Examination

To obtain 5 credits you must deliver and pass an essay, 10-12 pages (APA-styled manuscript)

A more specific description of the paper and the grading will be given in the course.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.