Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher

✍ Scribed by Geoffrey Mills

• Publisher: Pearson
• Year: 2017
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 354
• Edition: 6
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Note: This is the bound book only and does not include access to the Enhanced Pearson eText. To order the Enhanced Pearson eText packaged with a bound book, use ISBN 0134522729.

A step-by-step guide to action research with a balanced coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods.

The leading text in the field of action research, Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher is known for its practical, step-by-step guidance for teachers on how to do research in classrooms. Drawing on his extensive experience working directly with teachers and principals to help them learn how to conduct action research studies, the author guides future educators through the action research process via numerous concrete illustrations. The text positions action research as a fundamental component of teaching and helps it's readers not only acquire the skills to conduct quality studies, but also how to make it a part of everyday teaching practice.

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✦ Table of Contents

Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
About the Author
Preface
Instructor Resources
Acknowledgments
Brief Contents
Contents
1. Understanding Action Research
What Motivates Unmotivated Students?
A Brief Overview of Educational Research
Defining Action Research
Origins of Action Research
Theoretical Foundations of Action Research
Goals and Rationale for Action Research
Justifying Action Research: The Impact of Action Research on Practice
Making Action Research a Part of Daily Teaching Practices
The Process of Action Research
Summary
Tasks
2. Ethics
The Use of Technology to Enhance Mathematics Achievement
The Ethics of Research
Doing the Right Thing: The Role of Ethics in Action Research
Ethical Guidelines
Summary
Task
3. Deciding on an Area of Focus
Interactive Teen Theater
Clarifying a General Idea and an Area of Focus
Reconnaissance
The Action Research Plan
Summary
Tasks
4. Review of Related Literature
Review of Related Literature
Action Research and the Review of Related Literature
Identifying Keywords and Identifying, Evaluating, and Annotating Sources
Analyzing, Organizing, and Reporting the Literature
Summary
Tasks
5. Data Collection Techniques
Reflection on Action Research
Qualitative Data Collection Techniques
Experiencing Through Direct Observation
Enquiring: When the Researcher Asks
Examining: Using and Making Records
Quantitative Data Collection Techniques
Triangulation
Realign Your Area of Focus and Action Research Plan When Necessary
Summary
Tasks
6. Data Collection Considerations: Validity, Reliability, and Generalizability
Improving Student Understanding and Motivation of Multiplication Facts
Validity
Reliability
Generalizability
Personal Bias in the Conduct of Action Research
Summary
Tasks
7. Data Analysis and Interpretation
Emphasizing Learning by Deemphasizing Grades
Self-Assessment Worksheet
Student-Teacher Conferences
Grades
Ongoing Analysis and Reflection
The Role of Analysis and Interpretation
Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques
Analyzing and Interpreting Quantitative Data
Qualitative Data Interpretation Techniques
Sharing Your Interpretations Wisely
Summary
Task
8. Action Planning for Educational Change
Reflecting on an Absenteeism Policy
Developing Action Plans
Some Challenges Facing Teacher Researchers
Facilitating Educational Change
What Do Teachers Gain Through All of This Work?
Summary
Tasks
9. Writing Up Action Research
Why Should I Formally Write About My Action Research?
Format and Style
Sample Annotated Action Research Article
Rituals and Writing
An Outline for an Action Research Report
Other Structures in Action Research Reports
General Guidelines for Submissions to Journals
Summary
Tasks
10. Evaluating Action Research
“Let’s Talk”: Discussions in a Biology Classroom: An Action Research Project
General Evaluation Criteria for Educational Research
Criteria for Evaluating Action Research
Applying Action Research Evaluation Criteria
This Is Just the Beginning!
Summary
Task
Appendix A: Action Research in Action: A Case Study of Curtis Elementary School and an Article Critique
The Setting: Curtis Elementary—A Professional Development School
The Area of Focus: Constructing Meaning in Reading
Reviewing the Literature
Creating an Action Plan
Creating Meaning in Reading
Sharing the Findings
Evaluating Action Research
Final Thoughts
Summary
Tasks
Appendix B: Standard Deviation and Action Research
Measure of Variability: Standard Deviation
An Illustration
The Standard Deviation
Appendix C: Displaying Data Visually
Example 1: Writers’ Workshop and ESL Students’ Written Work and Attitudes
Example 2: Teaching Mathematics Using Manipulatives
Example 3: The Impact of Book Sharing on Student Motivation to Read
Example 4: Mapping Teachers’ “Locus of Control” and “Movement”
Example 5: Concept Map
Summary
References
Index
Back Cover