If you are a trainee teacher or experienced practitioner new to research, or are simply wondering how to get started on your education research project, this practical book will be your guide. The authors offer simple steps to ensure that you ask the key questions in the most effective way possible. The book guides you through the entire research process: from clarifying the context and conceptual background, to presenting and analysing the evidence gathered. Supported by examples, checklists and diagrams, this fully revised and updated edition includes a wealth of information on: Research design Evidence gathering techniques Practitioner research Ethics Data analysis techniques. This book will be valuable to anyone begining a research or a professional or a professional or school development project, whatever stage they are at within the teaching community, from training for QTS, higher degree, or in need of evidence-backed decisions for the strategic development of their school.
Neil Burton is Partnership Manager and Associate Tutor of education masters courses with the University of Leicester, having worked in teacher education for several universities for the past 20 years. He is a member of the editorial board of Education 3-13 and is a recent past Chair of the Association for the Study of Primary Education. In addition to working with several school-based initial teacher training providers, he also teaches children (6-18 years-old) in schools on a regular basis for the joy of it. Professor Mark Brundrett is Professor of Educational Research and Director of the Centre for Educational Research and Evaluation Services at Liverpool John Moores University (CERES).
PART ONE: THINK BEFORE YOU DO The Place of Research Within the Classroom and School Analysing the Context in Order to Ask the Right Questions Reviewing Existing Theories and Findings PART TWO: GATHERING EVIDENCE: WHAT EVIDENCE, WHO FROM, AND HOW TO COLLECT IT Models of Research Identifying Sources Documentation: Examining Existing Evidence Observing: Individuals, Groups and Environments Direct Questioning: Surveys and Questionnaires A Cyclical Model of Research: Action Research PART THREE: MAKING SENSE OF THE OUTCOMES Collating and Reporting Qualitative Evidence Collating and Presenting Quantitative Evidence Qualitative Data Analysis Quantitative Data Analysis Drawing Conclusions and Making Recommendations Developing Academic Skills
'Key strengths of this text are its clearly structured layout, and accessible style. The introductory chapter effectively updates this book, locating it firmly in the current complex and changing environment. Written specifically for the practitioner-researcher, the book makes clear and explicit links between the practices of teaching, and the practices of education research. Short case studies throughout are realistic in their message, and will be instantly recognisable to teachers at a range of stages in their careers. It's good to see a user-friendly approach to quantitative data analysis for non-mathematicians; something that's not often found in a book of this nature.' -- Dr. Mary McAteer, Director, MaST Programme
