Description
The first textbook to offer novice and experienced teachers guidelines for the "how" and "why" of self-study teacher research
Designed to help pre- and in-service 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. 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.
Written in a reader-friendly style and filled with interactive activities and examples, the book helps teachers every step of the way as they learn and refine research skills; conduct a literature review; design a research study; work in validation groups; collect and analyze data; interpret findings; develop skills in peer critique and review; and write, present, and publish their studies.
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.
Table of Contents
Preface
PART I: THE 6Ws OF SELF-STUDY RESEARCH
1. Understanding Self-Study: What and Why
What is Self-Study Teacher Research?
What Self-Study Teacher Research is Not
Why Conduct Self-Study Teacher Research?
Key Ideas
2. Overview of the Self-Study Process: What and How
Self-Study Research Project Planner
Self-Study Research Project Timeline
Self-Study Teacher Research Exemplar Brief
3. The Self-Study Community: When and Where and Who
Culture of the Self-Study Community
Paradigm Shift
Influence, Confluence, and Divergence
Important Events in Outgrowth of Self-Study School
Critique and Sustainability
Key Ideas
4. The Self-Study Research Methodology: Why and How
Characteristics of Self-Study Research
Five Foci Framework: Methodological Components of Self-Study Research
Key Ideas
5. Self-Study Methods: How
Choosing a Self-Study Method
Challenges in Choosing a Method
Key Ideas
PART II: YOUR SELF-STUDY PROJECT
6. Design
Design Matters
Seven Key Design Components
Key Ideas
7. Protect
Questioning the Ethics of Your Study
School Division Review
The Role of Professional Organizations
Standards of Research Ethics
Institutional Review Boards
Key Ideas
8. Organize Data
Alignment of Data with Question
Document
Categorize
Overlapping Research Phases
Key Ideas
9. Collect Data
Data Gathering Techniques
Alternative Data Gathering Techniques
Quantifiable Data
Key Ideas
10. Analyze Data
Research as a Recursive Act
Coding
Coding Families
Categories and Connections
Grounded Theory and the Constant Comparative Method
Concept Maps
Computer Software Tools
Key Ideas
11. Assess Research Quality
Multiple Sources of Data
Transparency, validation, exemplars, and trustworthiness
Reliability
Generalizability
Key Ideas
12. Write
Some Friendly Writing Advice
Writing Your Research Report
Writing Your Abstract
Welcoming Peer Critique
Key Ideas
13. Present and Publish
The Importance of Presenting Your Research
Challenge the Status Quo of Presentations
Pointers for Presenting
Writing Your Self-Study Proposal
Advice for Presenting
The Proposal Review Process
Advice for Getting Published
Key Ideas
Closing Remarks
Appendix A: Sample of a Self-Study Teacher Research Exemplar Brief
Appendix B: Self-Study is Not Just for Classroom Teachers
Glossary
References
Index
About the Author
