Full Description
Researchers in special education have been developing a knowledge base of evidence-based practices that improve the outcomes of students with disabilities. Unfortunately, filtering that knowledge into classrooms implemented by special education teachers has been a challenge. In The Essentials of Special Education Research, Andrew M. Markelz and Benjamin S. Riden directly address the persistent research-to-practice gap by systematically presenting the essential components of research that every special education teacher must know.
The first section investigates the foundations of research and why special education teachers should regularly read research articles. It also examines the basic structure of research articles to demystify jargon and provide teachers confidence when reading scientific literature. The second section explores various research methodologies that consumers of research must know. Methodologies such as literature reviews, single-case design, quantitative, qualitative, and others are unpacked so that special education teachers know the critical components of these methodologies, along with their limitations, to become critical consumers of research. The third section focuses on putting this knowledge into practice. Using practical scenarios, the authors demonstrate how a special education teacher can combat common classroom problems by locating and reading relevant research to gain information and implement best practices based on scientific evidence. This step-by-step guide combines the knowledge and skills outlined in this book to truly become a scientific practitioner.
Contents
Table of Contents
Section One: Introduction to Research
Chapter 1: History of Research
What is research?
Why are ethics important when conducting research?
How has research impacted the field of special education?
Where can I find more information about the history of research?
Discussion questions | Key terms
Chapter 2: Reading Research
Why read research articles?
How do you read research articles?
How do you access research?
Where can I find more information about reading research?
Discussion questions | Key terms
Section Two: Methodologies in Special Education Research
Chapter 3: Systematic Literature Reviews
What is a systematic literature review and why do researches use it?
What are the critical components of systematic literature review?
What are the limitations of systematic literature reviews?
How do I interpret systematic literature reviews?
Where can I find more information about systematic literature reviews?
Discussion questions | Key terms
Chapter 4: Quantitative Design
What is quantitative design research and why do researchers use it?
What are the critical components of quantitative design research?
What are the limitations of quantitative design research?
How do I interpret quantitative design research?
Where can I find additional resources about quantitative design research?
Discussion questions |Key Terms
Chapter 5: Single Case Design
What is single case design research and why do researchers use it?
What are the critical components of single case design research?
What are the limitations of single case design research?
How do I interpret single case design research?
Where can I find additional resources about single case research?
Discussion questions | Key terms
Chapter 6: Qualitative Design
What is qualitative design research and why do researchers use it?
What are the critical components of qualitative design research?
What are the limitations of qualitative design research?
How do I interpret qualitative design research?
Where can I find additional resources about qualitative design research?
Discussion questions | Key terms
Chapter 7: Additional Research Methods
What are some additional research methods utilized in special education research?
What is involved in conducting each type of research method and what are their limitations?
Where can I find additional resources about these additional research methods?
Discussion questions | Key terms
Section Three: Reading and Implementing Research in Practice
Chapter 8:Classroom Management (Single Case)
What are some issues concerning classroom management?
What are some best practices in classroom management?
How do I use research to address classroom management issues?
Where can I find more information about classroom management?
Discussion questions | Key terms
Chapter 9: Math Instruction
What are some issues concerning math instruction?
What are some best practices in math instruction?
How do I use research to address Math instruction issues?
Where can I find more information about Math instruction?
Discussion questions | Key terms
Chapter 10: Product and Curriculum Reviews
What are the issues concerning product and curriculum reviews?
How do you assess the validity of products and curriculums?
How do you advocate for the adoption of a product or curriculum in your school?
Where can I find more information about product and curriculum reviews?
Discussion questions | Key terms
