TEDX1881X - Reading Fundamentals #1: An Introduction to Scientifically-based Research

Course Description

Reading Fundamentals supports the concept of using scientifically-based reading research to develop an effective approach to reading assessment, instruction, evaluation, and remediation.

An Introduction to Scientifically-based Research, the first in the three-course Reading Fundamentals series on effective reading instruction, was designed to give background on scientifically-based instruction as it applies to federal legislation. The course discusses the research that supports scientifically-based research as it applies to effective instruction, assessment, and evaluation. The course explores myths and misconceptions concerning reading instruction and remediation. It also presents an evaluation checklist designed to assess the effectiveness of your current reading program. The goal of the course is to present you with research, trustworthy evidence, and background information that support the need for a reading program that is based on scientific research and proven methods.

This computer-based instruction course is a self-supporting program that provides instruction, structured practice, and evaluation all on your home or school computer. Technical support information can be found in the Help section of your course.

View Reading Fundamentals #1: An Introduction to Scientifically-based Research syllabus for additional information.

Key Benefits

• 100% online self-paced course.
• No prior experience required.
• No textbooks and other materials required for purchase.

Learning Modules Include

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientifically-based Research
  • This first chapter contains information on what scientifically-based research means and discusses the myths and misconceptions of science. This chapter will lay out the basic foundation of scientifically-based research that will be used as the basis for understanding the remaining sections.
• Chapter 2: Constraint Levels, Validity & Variability in Research
  • This chapter will discuss the various types of research and the constraint levels in educational research. The difference in assumptions made regarding sources of variability, the type of logic approach, and the ability to generalize results between experimental group research and single-case research will be explained. There will be information on the issues of reliability and validity and trustworthiness or believability in research.
• Chapter 3: Internal & External Validity
  • The third chapter will deal exclusively with internal and external validity of educational research. This chapter focuses solely on these two issues due to their importance and a need for the issue or research validity to be clearly understood.
• Chapter 4: Experimental Designs
  • This chapter will discuss quasi-experimental designs, pre-experimental designs, true experimental designs, and single case designs. It will discuss causal-comparatives and correlational research as well as qualitative research. The chapter will also discuss objectives and methodology.
• Chapter 5: Putting It All Together
  • Chapter 5 wraps up the course by presenting information on replication and research synthesis. The chapter will end with a general review and prepare the user for information to be presented in the second course of this series.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Describe what is meant by critical thinking.
• Explain what science is and illustrate the six scientific principles.
• Explain the myths and misconceptions of science, and describe the ways in which we gain information.
• Describe the impact science has had on medicine, clinical psychology, and education.
• Illustrate the constraint levels in educational research.
• Explain the difference in assumptions regarding the sources of variability, the type of logic approach, and the ability to generalize results between experimental group research and single-case research.
• Describe the concepts of reliability and validity and trustworthiness or believability of measures.
• Explain what is meant by variability, including the sources of variability.
• Describe the terms internal and external validity, and explain the threats to each.
• Illustrate the different research designs/methods (i.e., experimental, single-case, causal-comparative, correlational, and qualitative).
• Describe the importance of replications and illustrate the types of replications.
• Describe what is meant by the term research synthesis.
• Describe the difference between evidence-based and research-based practices.

Requirements to Enroll

No application is needed to enroll. All learners are eligible to enroll in the course. There are no admission requirements. It is recommended that learners have a high school diploma or GED, and have basic computer and internet knowledge.

Semester Open-Enrollment Schedule:

• Spring = January - April
• Summer = May - August
• Fall = September - December

*Please note that students are only allowed to register max 5 TEDX courses per semester period*

Estimated Time to Completion

This course can be completed in approximately 30 hours of asynchronous work.

Access Time

Learners will have access to their course learning modules for up to 365 days from the date of enrollment.

CEUs and PDUs

• CEUs 3.0 National University Continuing Education Units

Certificate of Completion

Learners will be awarded a National University Workforce and Community Education, Professional and Continuing Education Certificate of Completion after satisfying the course requirements below:

1. Complete all four information sections showing a competent understanding of the material presented in each section.
2. Complete all four section examinations, showing a competent understanding of the material presented.  You must obtain an overall score of 70% or higher, with no individual exam score below 50%, to pass this course.  *Please note: Minimum exam score requirements may vary by college or university; therefore, you should refer to your course addendum to determine what your minimum exam score requirements are.
3. Complete a review of any section on which your examination score was below 50%.
4. Retake any examination, after completing an information review, to increase that examination score to a minimum of 50%, making sure to also be achieving an overall exam score of a minimum 70% (maximum of three attempts). *Please note: Minimum exam score requirements may vary by college or university; therefore, you should refer to your course addendum to determine what your minimum exam score requirements are.
5. Complete a course evaluation form at the end of the course.

Refund Policy

We at National University want all of our students to have a positive and rewarding learning experience. In the event that a student is not completely satisfied with a course, we offer a refund policy to ensure satisfaction.

To be eligible for a refund, the student must submit a written request, including a valid reason, within 9 calendar days of registering for the course. Additionally, the student must not have attempted more than 25% of the course.

To request a refund, email PACE@nu.edu and include your full name, student ID, and course name. Your reason for requesting a refund will be carefully reviewed, and we reserve the right to refuse a refund if we determine the request to be invalid.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are approved for a refund, we will issue a refund to your original method of payment within 60 days of the refund approval.