Full Description
Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators, Seventh Edition introduces both beginning and experienced educators to the process of designing and conducting classroom-based action research. This practical text focuses on research methods and procedures that educators can use in their everyday instructional practices, classroom activities, and school settings.
Contents
Part I • What Is Action Research?
Chapter 1 • Introduction to Action Research
What Is Action Research?
The Importance of Action Research
Applications of Action Research
Is This Really Research? Rigor in Action Research
Chapter 2 • Overview of the Action Research Process
Stages and Steps in Action Research
The Planning Stage
The Acting Stage
The Developing Stage
The Reflecting Stage
A Brief Example
Part II • How Do I Begin My Action Research Study?
Chapter 3 • Planning for Action Research and Reviewing Related Literature
Identifying a Topic for Research
Gathering Preliminary Information
Reviewing the Related Literature
Chapter 4 • Developing a Research Plan
Research Questions
Basic Research Designs
Ethical Considerations in Your Research
Getting Organized for Your Research
Part III • What Do I Do With All These Data?
Chapter 5 • Collecting Data
Qualitative Data Collection Techniques
Quantitative Data Collection Techniques
Notes About Ethics and Data Collection
A Final Note About Organization and Alignment
Chapter 6 • Analyzing Data
Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques
Quantitative Data Analysis Techniques
A Note About Mixed-Methods Data Analysis
Reporting the Results of Data Analysis
Part IV • I've Got Results! . . . Now What?
Chapter 7 • Next Steps and Future Cycles: Developing an Action Plan
Developing Action Plans
Levels of Action Plans
Action Planning: A Time for Reflection
Chapter 8 • Writing an Action Research Report
Conventions of Academic Writing
A Word About Ethics When Writing Research Reports
Practical Guidelines for Writing
Chapter 9 • Sharing and Reflecting
Communicating the Results of Action Research
Reflecting on the Action Research Process
Appendix A. Sample Action Research Report: Differentiated Spelling: Using Small Group Instruction
Appendix B. Sample Action Research Report: Implementing Personal Devices in Math
Appendix C. Action Research Developmental Templates
Glossary
References
Index
