Consultation Form

Name ……………………………………… Hillside Teachers’ College

Candidate Number ……………………………
Supervisor …………………………………… Research Booklet
Date Comments Signatures
Supervisor Student

Subject ………………………

Research Topic
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
………………………………………………

Research Supervisor
This form serves as a primary evidence of the progress that the student is making. There- Date Approved ……………………………………..
fore you need to complete this form each time the student visits you for research consulta-
tion. If the student is not making any progress please forward such students to the col-
lege administration through the subject area hierarchy and make sure you also record such
events in the consultation form. Supervisor’s Signature …………………………………..
Student/Researcher
Always carry this booklet when visiting your supervisor for consultations. Ensure the su- Candidate’s Signature …………………………………..
pervisor signs the form every time you visit him/her. Evidence of your progress is
primarily based on this form hence ensure that it is kept safe and up-to-date.

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 Contents Page J. Consultation guidelines
Foreword ........................................................................................................ 1 (i) All students must come to the college for consultation on the Last Friday of
Research guidelines ........................................................................................ 2 every month during the school term.
(a) Consultation ............................................................................................... 2
(b) Topography ................................................................................................ 2 (ii) Consulting students to get permission from the schools before they come to
(c) Timelines ................................................................................................... 2 college for consultation.
Structure of the research (iii) Consultation is compulsory for all students.
(i) Cover page ................................................................................................. 3
(ii) Preliminary pages ..................................................................................... 4 (iv) Always be in constant touch with your supervisor. Communication is key in
Problem articulation ....................................................................................... 5 research.
Review of related literature ............................................................................ 6
Methodology .................................................................................................. 7
Data analysis, presentation and interpretation ................................................ 8
Summary, conclusion and recommendations ................................................. 9
Referencing .................................................................................................... 9 NB: YOU ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS A MUST FOR YOU TO FINISH
Book referencing ............................................................................................ 11 YOUR RESEARCH DURING TEACHING PRACTICE.
Journals ........................................................................................................... 12
Fundamental research presentation format ...................................................... 13
Action research presentation format ............................................................... 14
Fundamental research marking guide .............................................................. 15
Action research marking guide ........................................................................ 16
Consultation guidelines ................................................................................... 17
Consultation form ........................................................................................... 18

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H. Action Research Marking Guide Foreword

Name……………………. Candidate Number……...……..Subject Area…….. Welcome to Hillside Teachers' College research department. Research is a very essential
component in any academic spectrum. For you to be conferred with the diploma in education
you must complete a supervised research project which must attain a passing mark as outlined in
Section Descriptions Mark Comments the department of teacher education handbook section 18.8 page 28. Research is regarded as the
Layout Is the project well organized and smartly 5 mother of all inventions. It is therefore agreed that a stronger research capacity in students is
Presentation presented (including being bound, language use, absolutely a cornerstone for innovation and development in this transforming world.
Preliminary and spacing)? Are the covers, Tables of contents
pages and other pages done correctly? Research skills equip students with the ability of problem solving hence it is imperative that
Section 1 Is the title concise, self-explanatory and exact in 20 student teachers take the research project seriously, as an important aspect of learning and
Problem describing the problem in the study? Are the
Articulation problems, purposes and expectations clearly
training. As a student teacher, you are therefore required to do this important part (research)
stated? during your teaching practice, having been introduced to research during your first residential
Have the important terms been clearly defined? phase in college. The research should be done and completed before coming back to college for
Has a strong case been made for the significance the second and final residential phase. This calls for good organisation and time management on
of the study? Does the study provide a clear your part as the researcher.
theoretical background?
Section 2 Are the research methodologies and tools used 25 This booklet highlights the key issues you need to follow towards producing an authentic and
Methodology appropriate to the problem in the study? Have acceptable piece of work. It saves as a guideline hence students are advised to do extensive
provisions been made to ensure reliability and reading. It also provides students with the layout of the Hillside Teachers' College research
validity? i.e. using a variety of research tools. report.
Section 3 Clarity of the cycles, presentation, analysis and 25
Intervention interpretation. Showing past and present
Stage situations. Is there infusion of literature? All having been said and done, the college wishes you well in your research endeavour.
Section 4 Has a precise overview of the report been 20
Summary, provided? Are the findings supported by
Reflections, evidence through the data? Are the
E. M. Gumpo
Conclusions recommendations applicable and appropriate? Principal
and Recom- Are the ideas introduced in the prior chapters
mendations connected in this chapter?
Adequate inclusion of literature
References Does the reference section contain all the sources 5
and cited (at least 15) in the text as per college
Appendices requirement (APA)? Have the references been
arranged alphabetically? Do the appendices
record all the documents in the study?

Overall Comments

Supervisor: …………………………………………………………………………………………………
Moderator:…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
External Assessor
Supervisor:……………………………. Signature:………………. Date:………… Mark:………
Moderator:.…………………………… Signature-………………. Date:…………Mark:………
External Assessor:……………………. Signature-……………….. Date:………… Mark:………

16 1
Research Guidelines G Fundamental Research Marking Guide
A Consultation Name:………………….Candidate Number:…………...Subject Area:………..
All students to come for consultation on the last Friday of every month during the school
term. Section Descriptions Mark Comments
Consulting students to get permission from the schools before they come to college for Layout Is the project well organized and smartly presented 5
consultation. Presentation (including being bound, language use, and spacing)?
Consultation is compulsory for all students. Preliminary Are the covers, table of contents and other pages done
During consultation both the supervisor and the researcher must append their signatures pages correctly?
on the consultation forms in the research guide for the student and a loose copy for the Chapter 1 Is the title concise, self-explanatory and exact in 15
supervisor. Problem describing the problem in the study?
Research is done during the time students are on teaching practice. Articulation Are the problems, purposes and expectations clearly
Failure to consult results in the project failing. stated?
Plagiarism, (i.e.) reproducing or copying other people’s work is strictly prohibited and Have the important terms been clearly defined?
doing that is both criminal and academic fraud. Has a strong case been made for the significance of
the study?
B Topography Does the study provide a clear theoretical
background?
Use the Times New Roman for the whole project.
The font size must be font 12. Chapter 2 Has relevant and current literature been reviewed? 20
Double spacing should be used throughout the document. Review of Is the review comprehensive and precise?
Centre the title and chapter number. Related Does the literature used link important issues related
Bold chapters and titles. Literature to the topic and show students’ input and analysis?
Pages should be numbered at the bottom and centred.
Justify text / document. Chapter 3 Are the research methodologies and tools used 20
Methodology appropriate to the problem in the study? Have
C Timelines provisions been made to ensure reliability and
validity? i.e. using a variety of research tools.
Chapter 4 Have appropriate techniques of analysis been used? 20
Data Have tables and figures been appropriately titled,
Presentation, referenced, placed and properly interpreted? Does the
Activity Period Analysis, student give a complete description of what was
Post ‘A’ Level Post ‘O’ Level Discussion occurring? Are the analysis and interpretations
and compelling, convincing and related to previous
Topic and Chapter 1 September January Interpretation chapters?

Literature review November March Chapter 5 Has a precise overview of the report been provided? 15
Summary Are the findings supported by evidence through the
Methodology January May data? Are the recommendations applicable and
appropriate?
Data presentation March July Are the ideas introduced in the prior chapters
connected in this chapter?
Summary, conclusions and rec- April November
References Does the reference section contain all the sources 5
ommendations and cited (at least 15) in the text as per college require-
Submission of completed pro- May January Appendices ment (APA)? Have the references been arranged
ject alphabetically? Do the appendices record all the
documents in the study.

Overall Comments
Supervisor: …………………………………………………………………………………………………
Moderator:…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
External Assessor:…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Supervisor:…………………. Signature:………………….. Date:……………... Mark:……...
Moderator:………………….. Signature-………………….. Date……………… Mark:……...
External Assessor:…………. Signature-………………….. Date-…………….. Mark:……..
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F. Action Research Design Presentation Format D. Cover page
Section 1: Problem Articulation Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development

1.1 Introduction University of Zimbabwe

1.2 Background to the Problem
1.3 Statement of the Problem Department of Teacher Education
1.4 Indicators of the Problem
1.5 Research Objectives Hillside Teachers’ College
1.7 Importance of the Study
1.8 Assumptions of the Study (Optional) Diploma in Education (Secondary)
1.9 Delimitations of the Study
1.10 Limitation of the Study (Title of Research)
1.11 Definition of Key Operational Terms
1.12 Summary
(Name of Candidate)
Section 2: Methodology
(Candidate Number)
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Research Approach A research project submitted to Hillside Teachers’ College (subject area) as a requirement of
2.3 Research Design the Professional Studies (Section IV) in partial fulfillment of the Diploma in Education
2.4 Population and sampling (Secondary) awarded by the Department of Teacher Education of the University of Zimbabwe.
2.4.1 Population
2.4.2 Sample and Sampling Procedure (Month and Year)
2.5 Data Collection/Generation Method
2.6 Data Presentation and Analysis Plan
2.7 Summary

Section 3: Intervention Stage

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Cycles
The number of cycles depends on the situation on the ground.
3.3 Summary

Section 4: Summary, Reflections, Conclusions and Recommendations

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Summary of the Study
4.3 Reflections
4.4 Conclusions
4.5 Recommendations
References

NB: Infuse literature in any section relevant where necessary.

For both formats you need. to have the references and appendices.
References on a fresh page.
Appendices on a fresh page.

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 I. Fundamental Research Presentation Format
E. Preliminary Pages Chapter 1: Problem Articulation
Dedication (optional) 1.1 Introduction
1.2 Background to the Problem
On separate page and the page should be numbered in Roman numerals. 1.3 Statement of the Problem
The person/s who inspired you. 1.4 Sub-problems/Research Questions
1.5 Research Objectives
Acknowledgements 1.6 Importance of the Study
1.7 Assumptions of the Study (optional)
On separate page and the page should be numbered in Roman numerals. 1.8 Delimitations of the Study
1.9 Limitation of the Study
Abstract 1.10 Definition of Key Operational Terms
1.11 Summary
On separate page and should be numbered in Roman numerals
Should be just one paragraph, single spaced Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Should focus on aims/objectives, methodology and findings.
2.1 Introduction
Table of Contents 2.2 Related Literature
2.3 Summary
Begins with the preliminary pages and all the chapters and their sub-topics
showing their pages. Chapter 3: Methodology
List of Tables 3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Approach
All tables in the research should be listed indicating the title and page where they are 3.3 Research Design
found. The number of the table should be linked to the section / chapter where it is 3.4 Population and Sampling
found. In the research, titles of the tables should be on top. 3.4.1 Population
3.4.2 Sample and sampling procedure
List of Figures 3.5 Data collection/generation method
3.6 Data Presentation and Analysis Plan
All figures in the research should be listed. Just like in the case of tables, you need to 3.8 Summary
indicate the title and page where they are found. The number of the figure should be
linked to the section/ chapter where it is found. In the research, titles of the tables Chapter 4: Data Presentation, Analysis, Discussion and Interpretation
should be below the figure.
4.1 Introduction
Acronyms/Abbreviations 4.2 Results and Findings - sub-topics to be generated from themes used.
All abbreviations used should be listed giving their full meaning. 4.3 Summary

NB: All these pages should be in Roman numerals. Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary of the Study
5.3 Conclusions
5.4 Recommendations
References

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8. Journals 1. Problem Articulation
General Format 1.1 Introduction (bold)

i. Author, Initial. (year). Title of article. Journal title. vol (issue), pages. (The State what will be covered in the whole chapter/section.
journal title should be in italics)
ii. Ziqubu, V. (1999). Measurement and prediction in primary science. Newton Bulle- 1.2 Background to the Problem
tin ,66 (3), 178-200.
iii. Clements, J. (1997). Misconceptions in Algebra. Teaching Children Mathematics Give a description of the problem showing clearly the indicators of the
journal. (Dec). 198-200. (NB: if no volume info is available so just put the month problem and what prompted him/her to venture into the area.
of publishing)
1.3 Statement of the Problem
Newspaper/Magazine Articles
 single paragraph Should indicate exactly what the problem is showing a GAP
General Format between the real and the desired position/scenario.

(i) Author, A. (year, Date Month). Title of the article. Newspaper or Magazine, page. 1.4 Sub-problems/Research Questions
(ii) Lamb, J. (1970, 20 October). The perfect plants for lazy gardeners. Weekend Aus-
tralian, p.3. These are subsequent problems that are derived from the main
problem.
Electronic Sources 1.4.1 Should be arranged in a logical manner
1.4.2 They should be formulated in the form of questions or problems
These include aggregated databases, online journals, Web sites or Web to be answered as the research unfolds.
pages, newsgroups, Web- or e-mail-based discussion groups, and Web
or e-mail-based newsletters 1.5 Research objectives

Open Access Resources: The researcher outlines the intensions in undertaking the study and these
are in line with the sub-problems already highlighted above.
AGORA; Beech Tree Publishing; Google
Scholar ; Sage Journals ; HINARI: African Journals; JSTOR; OXFORD 1.6 Hypothesis (optional)
journals; Wiley-Blackwell combined package
It is an intelligent guess or proposition that attempts to explain a fact or facts
Online Document/Article: of natural phenomenon. It is usually used in the field of quantitative research.

Author, Initial. (2000). Title of article. Retrieved month day, year, from (web ad 1.7 Importance of the study
dress).e.g. Holmes, A. (1998). Greenpeace wins media war. Retrieved
November 25, 1998, from State the individuals/groups of people who will benefit from the study
http://www.independent.co.uk/international/green25.htm and how they are set to benefit if the study is successfully completed.

Web sites 1.8 Assumptions of the study (optional)

It is a belief that forms one of the basis of research which should not be test-
Author, A.A. (2000). Title of work (in italics). Retrieved Month day, year, ed or need to be supported by empirical evidence/ data for
from web address. e.g. Holmes, A. (1998). Greenpeace wins media war. Retrieved example, respondents’ ability to read and write, the importance of the sub-
November 25, 1998, from http://www. ject to the school curriculum. It should justify that each
Independent.co.uk/international/green25.htm assumption is true, for example, assuming that all the participants will
answer all the questions in the questionnaire honestly.
1.9 Scope /Delimitation of the Study
These are the boundaries set by the researcher to control the study they are doing.

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 6.7 II Reference List
Explain the criteria for participation, geographic area to be covered, 6.7.1 This is a list of all the sources consulted during the study which
organizations involved and other details. are cited in your text.
6.7.2 It is inserted at the end of the last chapter/section of the research
1.10 Limitations of the Study report.
Explain any problems you might encounter during the research 6.7.3 The reference list should be in alphabetical order.
and offer possible solutions. Challenges in your study beyond 6.7.4 Use italics for book titles and journal names.
your control e.g. lack of resources or failure to respond to
questionnaires by the participants. 7. Books
7.1 General Format
1.11 Definition of Key Operational Terms 7.1.1 Author, Initial. (year). Title of book (italicized). Town
These are terms that will be used in the study which are published : Publisher.
perculiar to the study or subject. The terms can be 7.1.2 Single Author
encountered from scholarly works but there is also a need for Williams, R. (2008). Science and perception (3rd ed.).Cape
one to zero down to the contextual meanings of such terms. Town. University of Cape Town press.
7.1.3 Two to seven authors (list all authors)
1.12 Summary Johnston, L., Naidoo, H., & Zulu, S.(2016). Tenets of the moral
Highlight the ideas discussed and give a brief description of the philosophy. Durban: Oxford University Press.
focus and content of the subsequent chapter/section. 7.1.4 For eight or more authors write the first six authors,... and the
last author.
2. Review of related literature 7.2 Citing complete book which has been edited as a collection of
chapters
2.1 Introduction Chelin, H. P. and Stott, R. L. (Eds.). (2011). Early science
An overview of the chapter highlighting what the research intends development. New York: McGraw-Hill.
to present in the chapter. 7.3 Unpublished conference paper
Moyo, P. (2004, April). A study of a multicultural science classroom
2.2 Tips on Getting Started
in a changing South Africa. Paper presented at twenty third annual
Using one’s sub-problems/research questions, one needs to note
Meeting of American Educational Research Association. Chicago, IL.
down the initial thought on the topic. In this chapter one should
7.4 Paper published in conference proceedings
start broad and becomes more specific at the end. The skill of
Sibanda, J. (2014. The role of problems in the teaching of Science.
summarizing and paraphrasing are called for.
Proceedings of the second annual conference of South African
association for Research in Mathematics and Science Education.
. 2.3 Verbs to Use in Citations
(pp.145-156). Unitra: SAARMSE
It is usually a sign of weak academic rigor when every paragraph
of the review begins with the names of researchers. 7.5 Published dissertation or thesis
One has to use different ways of reporting data so that the
literature review does not read like a shopping list. The following Bevins, G.D. (1987). Theory and practice at an A ustralian university.
terms are usually used in literature review: posit, claim, suggest, Doctoral dissertation. Montreal: Mcgill University
propose, contends, postulates, argues, points out, insists, asserts, 7.6 Unpublished Dissertations/Thesis
affirms. Varied and effective use of these verbs helps one to Hobden, P. A. (2000). Context of school science. Unpublished
develop a coherent literature review. dissertation. University of Natal, Durban, South Africa.

6 11
.
6.2.5 The first time you reference the article with more than two 2.4 Checklist for a Literature Review
authors, write all the names in the first reference thereafter only Does the literature relate to the research question? (relevance)
the first author’s name and the abbreviation ‘et al.’ is used Does it start at a general level and narrow down?
(italicized and with a full stop after ‘al’). e.g. … (Hobden Does it cover key theories?
et al.,1995) Are the sources used varied and current?
6.2.6 When the same information has been taken from more than one Is the relationship inherent in the literature shown (similarities,
source, authors are listed alphabetically and separated by a differences, trends)?
semicolon: e.g. This is common knowledge and found in the Acknowledge the sources of information/literature to avoid plagiarism.
literature (Brand, 1987; Dlamini, 1987; Hobden,1995). Consult as many sources as possible.
6.2.7 If you quote the same source a number of times in the same 2.5 Summary
paragraph you do not need to provide full citation. Write the Wrap up the chapter and link it to the next chapter
full citation. For the first time e.g. Hobden(1998) states that
……. but thereafter you need only to write Hobden. When you 3. Methodology
start a new paragraph you have to give the full citation again.
6.2.8 When two citations are of the same author and year, you 3.1 Introduction
differentiate by means of numbering the year in both the An overview of the chapter highlighting what the research intends to
citation and reference list. e.g. This study was repeated and the present in the chapter.
same result obtained(Zulu,1998a: Zulu1998b).
3.2 Research Approach
6.3 Direct Quotation State whether the approach/paradigm is qualitative, quantitative or
For a direct quotation, include the page as well e.g. Gould and Brown mixed method. Justify the approach chosen.
(1999, p.14) said that “lecturing is no longer an appropriate vehicle
for learning” or 3.3 Research Design
It has been suggested that “lecturing is no longer an appropriate Identify and justify the specific research design to be used such as case
vehicle for learning” (Hobden, 198, p.14). study, action research, survey, ethnography, historical etc.

6.4 Long Quotation 3.4 Population and sampling procedures

6.4.1 Long quote is indented and single spaced. The population and sampling procedures rely much on the design.
6.4.2 No quotation marks used.
6.4.3 Long quotes should only be used if you are going to discuss the 3.4.1 Population
quote at some length. Specify the target population and its attributes age, gender, and
6.5 Citing Secondary Sources ethnicity.
When citing in the text a work discussed in a secondary source, give 3.4.2 Sample and sampling procedure
both the primary and secondary sources. Identify the sample and justify. The procedures for selecting the
In the reference list write the secondary source you read not the sample should be outlined including the justification of the
primary source. sampling method or design
E.g. Mthembu (As cited in Hopden 2001) argues that………... 3.5 Data collection/generation methods
6.6 In-text referencing a website 3.5.1 Identify the instruments to be used and justify their choice
6.6.1 Write the name of the article author and year of publication as 3.5.2 Clearly explain how each instrument is to be used
in the normal in-text referencing, the Web site will appear on
the reference list.
6.6.2 Avoid quoting Web sites without author names.
6.6.3 Avoid referencing websites in the text.
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3.5 Data Collection/Generation Methods 5. Summary, conclusions and recommendations
5.1 Introduction
3.5.3 Use of at least two instruments for collecting the same data 5.2 Summary
will help in triangulation for validation of data 5.2.1 Highlight the main ideas coming out from literature related
3.6 Data presentation and analysis plan to the problem, methodology and findings.
3.6.1 Briefly describe the presentation that will be used, for 5.2.2 What are the major findings and gaps in the research study.
example histograms, scatter-plots, bar graphs, pie-charts etc.
3.6.2 Analysis should include summary, descriptive statistics and 5.3 Conclusions
inferential statistic. 5.3.1 This is the conclusion of the whole project
5.3.2 It gives the final judgment on issues in the findings
3.7 Ethical Considerations 5.3.3 It highlights on key points as per research questions/
These are in respect of the research participants i.e. confidentiality, objectives/themes.
informed consent, anonymity, privacy, prevention of physical/ 5.3.4 Basically the researcher attempts to restate what was said in
psychological harm, plagiarism etc. the opening paragraph and ties together all the informational
threads that have been interwoven into the study.
3.8 Summary
Wrap up the chapter and link it to the next chapter. 5.4 Recommendations
5.4.1 Recommendations are based on research findings.
4. Data Presentation, Analysis, Discussion and Interpretation 5.4.2 Should be focused on stakeholders and further researches.
5.4.3 Make recommendations that are practical and not to
4.1 Introduction recommend on what is already being implemented.
An overview of the chapter highlighting what the research intends
to present in the chapter. 6. Referencing/ Citation Guidelines
6.1 Use the American Psychological Association (APA) style for all
4.2 Results and Findings your referencing throughout the research project. Below are some
4.2.1 Data can be presented in the form of a narration, pie-charts, examples of how to reference using the APA style.
graphs, tables and so forth 6.2 In-text referencing
4.2.2 Present data as per sub-research questions/objectives/themes 6.1.2 Indirect quotation
4.2.3 The presentation should exhaust all the instruments used The author and the date of publication are placed in brackets
4.2.4 Draw relationships and differences in the data presented before or directly after the information taken from the
4.2.5 Analyze these collectively publication. e.g. Hobden (1998) asserts that all students who
4.2.6 Present the meanings after consolidating the information fail have not read the literature. or It was found that all
from the data presented in relation to the objectives and students who fail have not read the literature Hobden, 1998.
topic under study 6.2.3 When there are two or more authors the ampersand symbol
(&) not “and” is used to separate authors inside the bracket.
4.3 Summary e.g. It was found that all students who fail have not read the
This is a brief outline of the main issues raised/discussed in the literature (Brand & Hobden, 1998).
presentation and linking it with the next chapter/section 6.2.4 Outside brackets we use “and”. e.g. Brand and Hobden
(1998) found that students who fail have not read the
literature.

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