Researching Primary Education: Methods and Issues

Researching Primary Education: Methods and Issues
Author: Rosemary Webb
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 111
Release: 2013-09-13
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1317987330

This book increases understanding of, and provides inspiration for, the conduct of research in primary/elementary education. It discusses and evaluates the selection and development of research methods used for their own innovatory projects. They explore the relationship between their choice of research methods, the frameworks for analysis used and research findings. In so doing they address the topical and controversial issues posed by these methods and alternative data-gathering techniques. These include: the case for the use of random-controlled trials to inform policy-making and improve classroom practice the role of mixed methods to investigate the social aspects of inclusion children as researchers researching their peers the relationship between research and teacher development an analysis of the portrayal of teachers and education in the regional and national news the contribution of qualitative research in cross-national projects. In research on teaching and learning in primary schools, accessing the views and experiences of children is crucial. Consequently, the possibilities and limitations of data collection techniques for collecting the views of children are central and concerns about validity and ethics posed by the power relationships between researchers and research participants are examined. This book was based on a special issue of Educational 3-13 International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education.

Researching Primary Education

Researching Primary Education
Author: Rebecca Austin
Publisher: Learning Matters
Total Pages: 145
Release: 2016-05-16
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1473968453

How do we know what works in primary schools? How do we make sure that we are always learning from fellow teachers, always learning from the children we teach and always moving forward? The answer lies in research. In understanding, conducting, disseminating and learning from research. But what do we mean by research, and how do we ′do′ it? This book is your guide to research in primary education. It takes you through both important established theory and recent developments in research and explores what these mean right now for primary education and classroom settings. It helps you to conceive, conduct, write up and share your research with others. It looks at how you can access research findings to improve your classroom practice and deepen your understanding. It examines how you can use research in your classroom everyday to continually enhance teaching, and how you can shape and frame the questions you ask to help you get to the answers you need. If you are a trainee teacher doing a research project as part of your course, or a qualified teacher doing further study, this text includes all the guidance you need. If you are a teacher wanting to find out what works best for your class, in your school, right now, this text will show you how to harness the power of small or large scale research to help you find the answer.

School-based Research

School-based Research
Author: Elaine Wilson
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2009-02-03
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1412948509

Focused clearly on the needs of the new classroom researcher, this book is a thorough and thoughtful guide to the research process. The book helps new teachers beginning to use research literature to ask questions about published work, by considering the standpoint from which questions are asked, what sorts of answers are deemed researchable, and the audience to whom results are to be addressed. It also contextualizes methodological issues alongside key ideas which teachers are likely to be concerned with, such as ability grouping, pupil voice, pupil behavior, teaching approaches, and pupil motivation.

Teacher Action Research

Teacher Action Research
Author: Gerald J. Pine
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 417
Release: 2008-10-31
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1452278741

"This is a wonderful book with deep insight into the relationship between teachers′ action and result of student learning. It discusses from different angles impact of action research on student learning in the classroom. Writing samples provided at the back are wonderful examples." —Kejing Liu, Shawnee State University Teacher Action Research: Building Knowledge Democracies focuses on helping schools build knowledge democracies through a process of action research in which teachers, students, and parents collaborate in conducting participatory and caring inquiry in the classroom, school, and community. Author Gerald J. Pine examines historical origins, the rationale for practice-based research, related theoretical and philosophical perspectives, and action research as a paradigm rather than a method. Key Features Discusses how to build a school research culture through collaborative teacher research Delineates the role of the professional development school as a venue for constructing a knowledge democracy Focuses on how teacher action research can empower the active and ongoing inclusion of nontraditional voices (those of students and parents) in the research process Includes chapters addressing the concrete practices of observation, reflection, dialogue, writing, and the conduct of action research, as well as examples of teacher action research studies

Methods in Educational Research

Methods in Educational Research
Author: Marguerite G. Lodico
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 560
Release: 2010-04-07
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0470588691

Methods in Educational Research Methods in Educational Research is designed to prepare students for the real world of educational research. It focuses on scientifically-based methods, school accountability, and the professional demands of the twenty-first century, empowering researchers to take an active role in conducting research in their classrooms, districts, and the greater educational community. Like the first edition, this edition helps students, educators, and researchers develop a broad and deep understanding of research methodologies. It includes substantial new content on the impact of No Child Left Behind legislation, school reform, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, logic modeling, action research, and other areas. Special features to assist the teaching and learning processes include vignettes illustrating research tied to practice, suggested readings at the end of each chapter, and discussion questions to reinforce chapter content. Praise for the Previous Edition "A new attempt to make this subject more relevant and appealing to students. Most striking is how useful this book is because it is really grounded in educational research. It is very well written and quite relevant for educational researchers or for the student hoping to become one." -PsycCRITIQUES/American Psychological Association "I applaud the authors for their attempt to cover a wide range of material. The straightforward language of the book helps make the material understandable for readers." -Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation

Researching Education Policy, Public Policy, and Policymakers

Researching Education Policy, Public Policy, and Policymakers
Author: Dan Gibton
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 239
Release: 2015-10-05
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1317688309

Researching Education Policy, Public Policy, and Policymakers is a theoretical and hands-on practical guide to conducting qualitative research on education policy and public policy, with an emphasis on studies that involve senior participants and high-status government and non-government organisations. Building on over a decade of extensive experience in qualitative research on education policy among the most senior policymakers, this book explores and illustrates successful approaches to working with senior policymakers through examples from both the UK and Israel. Whilst policy studies are traditionally either theoretical or quantitative, this book explains the theory, methodology, and ethics of harnessing qualitative methods to the study of senior policymakers and their settings. Key topics include: Designing and planning the qualitative policy study Document analysis as a policy research tool Interviewing policymakers and observing policy Mapping qualitative policy analysis methods Writing policy reports Ethics and trust This practical guide, built upon a sound theoretical framework, will prove both inspirational and helpful to academic and professional researchers across all disciplines involving public policy.

Ethical and Methodological Issues in Researching Young Language Learners in School Contexts

Ethical and Methodological Issues in Researching Young Language Learners in School Contexts
Author: Annamaria Pinter
Publisher: Multilingual Matters
Total Pages: 230
Release: 2021-05-10
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 1800411448

This book focuses on ethical and methodological issues faced by researchers working with young language learners in formal school contexts. It uncovers and explicitly discusses a range of ethical dilemmas, challenges and experiences that researchers have encountered and grappled with, in studies of all kinds from large scale, experimental studies to ethnographic studies focused on just a handful of children. The chapters are written by researchers working with children in different classroom contexts around the world and highlight how ethical dilemmas and tensions take on a complex form in child-focused research, requiring researchers to pay particular attention to the social and cultural norms of the different communities within which children are educated as well as their school-based experiences. The book comprises three sections, with the first part focused on involving children as active participants in research; part two on ethical challenges in multilingual contexts and part three on links between teacher education and researching children. The book includes a critical discussion of the opportunities and challenges associated with applying the UNCRC (1989) document in second language research with children which will be of use to any researcher working in this area.

Self-Study Teacher Research

Self-Study Teacher Research
Author: Anastasia P. Samaras
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Total Pages: 345
Release: 2010-04-22
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1506332552

Offer novice and experienced teachers guidelines for the "how" and "why" to do self-study teacher research Designed to help teachers plan, implement, and assess a manageable self-study research project, this unique textbook covers the foundation, history, theoretical underpinnings, and methods of self-study research. Written in a reader-friendly style and filled with interactive activities and examples, this book helps teachers every step of the way as they plan and conduct their studies. Author Anastasia Samaras encourages readers to think deeply about both the "how" and the "why" of this essential professional development tool as they pose questions and formulate personal theories to improve professional practice. Key Features A Self-Study Project Planner assists teachers in understanding both the details and process of conducting self-study research. A Critical Friends Portfolio includes innovative critical collaborative inquiries to support the completion of a high quality final research project. Advice from the most senior self-study academics working in the U.S. and internationally is included, along with descriptions of the self-study methodology that has been refined over time. Examples demonstrate the connections between self-study research, teachers′ professional growth, and their students′ learning. Tables, charts, and visuals help readers see the big picture and stay organized. Accompanied by High-Quality Ancillaries! A Student Study Site offers a wealth of resources, including additional examples and activities, web-based resources, study questions, and key terms. Intended Audience Self-Study Teacher Research: Improving Your Practice Through Collaborative Inquiry is intended as a core textbook for a wide variety of courses in the education curriculum, including Action Research, Qualitative Research Methods, Research Methods in Education, and the capstone/teacher researcher course required of all early childhood, elementary, and secondary education majors.