Key Issues for Education Researchers
- Diana Burton - Professor of Education at the University of Wolverhampton
- Steve Bartlett - Professor of Education Studies at the University of Wolverhampton
Education Studies: Key Issues
Research Methods in Education
Chapters cover:
- Research paradigms and social perspectives
- Ethical approaches to research
- Research methods including interviewing, questionnaires, observation and experiments
- Research diaries and personal biography
- Writing up your research
Each chapter includes points for reflection, encouraging students to explore different perceptions on the whole research project. Tasks in each chapter take readers through the process of designing and justifying their own research project. Essential reading for education studies students, it will also be very suitable for those doing masters courses in education, students on initial teacher training programs and of interest to others, such as classroom assistants, studying education on foundation degrees.
'In [this book], the clarity of the content organisation is strengthened by a simple, but not simplistic, exposition which makes [it] a valid educational support, suitable not only for students but also for all those who need some guidance to systematise their research activity and knowledge...I would certainly recommend [this book] to my students, since I find it a more complete, balanced and stimulating introduction to research than many other guides with similar aims that are currently available' -
British Journal of Educational Technology
'Burton and Bartlett comfortably, and with style, map out the "how to"s of research, while at the same time presenting a book rich in the "what it means", discussing with ease the philosophical and epistemological underpinnings of educational research….As leader of an MA Education programme, I will most certainly be putting it on my "Required Reading" list - ESCalate
'Of the growing number of introductions and guides to research, there are few which have both the breadth and depth of this book; the reader readily develops a critical geography of a very wide field whilst at the same time digging deep into the vital issues which irradiate educational policies and research practices. Of the two books I would urge researchers to buy, this is one...' - Professor Peter Clough, Liverpool Hope University
A very good support text for educational research modules
This book is an excellent essential course text book. It covers everything a student needs to know for our undergraduate 'Researching Education' course. In fact, I couldn't ask for a better book!
I really like the practical parts of this book - the chapters on research approaches and specific methods are very clear and helpful for students. The chapter on research paradigms and social perspectives is probably less so: it's hard to write about these concepts simply, and I'm not sure that the chapter is that useful. However, it's still a helpful volume. Students on Education 4 are familiar with 'Introduction to Education Studies' by the same authors as it's essential reading in an earlier module, and I think they'll recognise the 'voice' and so be able to engage with it straight away.
Broad issues discussed and useful for someone new to the topic.
A helpful resource for students and lecturers, to ensure that key issues are covered when discussing the different paradigms, approaches and instruments..
There is useful information and pointers for all social welfare researchers here; the audience is wider that just academics.
An excellent and useful book - really easy to read and very appropriate for undergraduate researchers!
Another good all round text covering research methodology and methods. The authors adopt a down-to-earth approach and talk through the issues in an accessible manner, providing advice and aids such as useful checklists and detailed examples. The student activities are also useful from a tutor's point of view and assist in making the learning process a little more practical.
This is a really excellent book covering all the key areas for students undertaking research. It gives background information on paradigms and perspectives as well as covering the practical side of data gathering. This will be a highly recommended book for students.
