plans, focus, work-based research and writing. As academic topics were prominent and
our purpose was to support and develop online tutoring practice, more attention is
given to the academic category than any other.
Publications, individuals and training/educational courses were all identified as
sources of valid knowledge. In commenting on work in progress, one tutor explained
the distinction between expert knowledge based on the learner’s experience and
knowledge constructed from her data. In response to a query about the value of
attending a course as opposed to reading around a topic, the tutor identified
interactivity as an advantage of attended courses, but also pointed out that the range of
perspectives required for this level of study could only be gleaned from the literature.
While valid sources of knowledge are likely to be discussed when learners start their
assignments, issues to do with progress and plans work may be raised throughout their
learning programmes. For example, one learner expressed concern about meeting a
deadline; another sought advice on whether a deadline was realistic; a third enquired
about the tutor’s progress in reading and commenting on her work. Study-related
problems and possible options were discussed.One learner wanted advice about dealing
with a new job and its effect on her planned study. At decision points, tutors presented
options, for example, by pointing out that online or attended courses could be included as
components, assessed and credited as part of a final award, or that course materials
could be used as a resource to support a negotiated component.
The focusing category included exchanges about the process of identifying a
specific, manageable topic for in-depth study. To do this tutors variously suggested
that learners: follow their interests; identify relevant issues and debates from the
literature; or analyse a workplace situation they wished to study. Tutors recommended
learners to discuss a number of issues before selecting one for exploration.
Work-based research is at the heart of postgraduate learning within LtW. Having
specified a topic and devised project aims, learners begin their research. A few
exchanges were around the nature and purpose of research, ethics and theoretical
frameworks, although more focused on data collection methods and the research
process. In response to comments by learners, one tutor described research as complex,
iterative and messy, and identified its purpose as helping to formulate better questions
rather than find answers. A tutor pointed out the need for learners to clarify whether
they aimed to ask a research question or to validate or refute a hypothesis. To explore
the possible effects of different perspectives, learners were encouraged to consider their
data in relation to more than one model.
Exchanges covered research methods, selecting themost appropriate researchmethod
and the characteristics of qualitative and quantitative data. Other considerations included:
resources, research design, the “neutrality” of questions, the value and implications of
gathering qualitative and quantitative data, ethics and possible respondent concerns
about the use of data, and avoiding sampling bias. Learners were advised that writing
about research method required them to explain the reasons for their choice, discuss
alternative methods and be explicit about the advantages and disadvantages of their
chosen method. Other issues included: the difference between case study and survey
method, the benefits and potential problems associated with using comparative case
studies and the need to pilot questionnaires. One chain of exchanges developed into a
detailed dialogue about the research process from formulating a research question
through compiling and piloting a questionnaire to data analysis