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: Conceptualisations and Theories
Introduces and organises key theories and concepts of equity and equality in education, summarising research from multiple fields. - Module 2: Methodology
Presents operationalisations and measures of educational equality and equity; shows how study design and analysis shape indicators, findings and inferences; provides overview of data sources, and discusses the importance of reporting transparency and study quality. - Module 3: Evidence
Reviews evidence on socioeconomic, gender, immigrant, and other inequalities using research syntheses, large-scale assessments, and key studies in education to highlight trends and patterns in the body of research evidence and gaps.
Learning outcome
In this course, students will:
- Acquire knowledge of key concepts and theories of educational equality and equity;
- Develop skills to identify the impact of different study designs and methods of analyses on research evidence;
- Understand how measures and operationalizations of equality and equity depend on theoretical foundations and matter for the outcome;
- Gain knowledge of key findings regarding the level of educational equality.
Teaching
The course is offered in a hybrid format, with in-person participation for PhD candidates on-site at UiO and digital participation for students at partner institutions in Circle U.
Sessions
- Monday 16 November, 9:15–14:30
- Tuesday 17 November, 9:15–12:00
- Wednesday 18 November, 9:15–14:30
- Monday 23 November, 9:15–14:30
- Tuesday 24 November, 9:15–12:00
- Wednesday 25 November, 9:15–14:30
Teaching consists of short lectures, small-group discussions, and other forms of collaborative learning.
There is an 80% attendance requirement in the course.
Lecturers
Lecturers are Ronny Scherer (University of Oslo), Trude Nilsen (University of Oslo), Aileen Edele (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), and Orhan Agirdag (KU Leuven). Several guest lecturers affiliated with the Centre for Research on Equality in Education (CREATE) are also on the program.
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.
Admission
Admission requires enrolment in a programme at a Circle U. university at PhD level.
Some knowledge of basic quantitative methodology is recommended to support the understanding of the empirical examples and hands-on activities.
Ranking of applicants
Total number of seats in the course is 25. If there are more eligible applicants than available places, applicants will be pooled together and chosen at random.
Circle U. students accepted to this course are exempt from paying tuition fees.
