Action Research in Education
- Mary McAteer - Edge Hill University, UK
-Professor Ken Jones, Dean of Humanities, Swansea Metropolitan University
'Masterly in its lucidity, this text contextualises Action Research in the fiedl of Education Practice; and is therefore a valuable resource in both professional learning and improved professional practice'
-Effie Maclellan, Research Professor in Education, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
'An engaging, clearly written, and helpfully structured articulation of how AR can be implemented and practised in order to make a difference within educational contexts'
-Dr Stephen Parker, University of Worcester
'Will assist practitioner researchers to develop a profound and critical understanding of this approach'
-Professor Marion Jones, Liverpool John Moores University
This hands-on and user-friendly book uses illustrative case studies to demonstrate and explore the potential for change in real social situations. This book seeks to assert the academic integrity of action research and to de-mystify the process.
Each chapter includes:
- a 'how to' section based on concrete examples and dilemmas
- commentary that relates examples to the broader field
- a discussion of the underlying theoretical approach
- discussion and exploration of quality issues
- discussion of ethical and pragmatic decision-making
The mix of theoretical grounding and focus on real issues will be of benefit to Master's level or advanced undergraduate students on Education and Research Methods courses or those undertaking Action Research as part of professional development activities.
Mary McAteer is Director of the Mathematics Specialist Teacher (MaST) programme at Edge Hill University
Research Methods in Education series:
Each book in this series maps the territory of a key research approach or topic in order to help readers progress from beginner to advanced researcher.
Each book aims to provide a definitive, market-leading overview and to present a blend of theory and practice with a critical edge. All titles in the series are written for Master's-level students anywhere and are intended to be useful to the many diverse constituencies interested in research on education and related areas.
Other books in the series:
- Using Case Study in Education Research
-Qualitative Research in Education, Atkins and Wallace
- Ethnography in Education, Mills and Morton
'This structured and accessible book, with excellent case studies, will give confidence to anyone embarking on an action research project'
-Professor Ken Jones, Dean of Humanities, Swansea Metropolitan University
'Masterly in its lucidity, this text contextualises Action Research in the fiedl of Education Practice; and is therefore a valuable resource in both professional learning and improved professional practice'
-Effie Maclellan, Research Professor in Education, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
'An engaging, clearly written, and helpfully structured articulation of how AR can be implemented and practised in order to make a difference within educational contexts'
-Dr Stephen Parker, University of Worcester
'Will assist practitioner researchers to develop a profound and critical understanding of this approach'
-Professor Marion Jones, Liverpool John Moores University
For anyone completing or interested in action research, this book would provide you with a clear and comprehensive guide to approaching your project and would serve as a useful reference tool.
This is a very good intro to action research in the educational context. Perhaps one small suggestion is considering a broad contrast between action research in education compared to other disciplines. Nevertheless this book should be in the shelves of all educational researchers.
This is a compelling text that offers practitioners and education students clear ways of engaging with the concepts and practices of Action Research. The structure is very clear, broken up frequently into small, accessible parts that make dipping in very easy. As a lecturer I can use aspects of this book, particularly the case study examples and reflection boxes, to inform my instruction.
For MA course
Jean McNiff is the most used text, it was intersting to take an alternative perspective
I find this book very accessible - a good introductory book for education research students considering action research.
Our Master's programme attracts mostly current teachers who are looking at developing their understanding of education and pedagogy. This book is a really good aid to help such students understand what action research is all about and how it can be done in an educational setting. The text is clear and readable, with very helpful conclusions and summaries at the end of each chapter. The suggestions for further reading are relevant and useful, though the additional online resources were a little disappointing. Overall, this is a really worthwhile book and I can see that I will be referring to a number of sections from it on other Masters level courses, e.g. PGCE courses.
This is an excellent, current and methodical book, which provides detailed information about what action research is, various approaches to action research, and guidance on how to carry out research projects.
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I particularly found McAteer a critical and evaluative writer; and enjoyed her approach to data collection, analysis, and evaluative methodologies.
We will be recommending this text as essential reading for the level 5 and 6 students, therefore supporting both Foundation Degree and BA Hons students. This indicates the flexibility of this publication also the sector specific focus offers our students extra confidence and therefore will be considerably useful for our student's research projects.
