Short Guide to Action Research, A - Softcover

Johnson, Andrew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0132685868 ISBN 13: 9780132685863

Publisher: Pearson, 2011

Synopsis

This compact, user-friendly book provides everything a teacher needs to know to conduct an action research project, in a clear, step-by-step presentation.

This book guides the learner through comprehension and interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative techniques in action research methods and then describes all phases of the process, including selecting a topic; collecting, analyzing, and reporting data; reviewing the literature; and presenting the report.

There are many new strategies and examples of projects that can be used for professional growth and development included with this edition, as well as more examples, ideas for possible research questions, and many new forms and graphics are added.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Andrew Johnson is Professor of Holistic Education and the Director of the Accelerated Teacher Licensure Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Here he specializes in educational psychology, holistic education, literacy instruction, and teacher professional development.

Before moving into higher education he worked for 9 years in the public schools as a second grade teacher, wrestling coach, and as a gifted education coordinator. His most recent books include Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies (SAGE) and Teaching Reading and Writing: A Guidebook for Tutoring and Remediating Students (Rowman and Littlefield).

Dr. Johnson can be reached for comment at: andrew.johnson@mnsu.edu. For information related to workshops and professional development opportunities go to: www.OPDT-Johonson.com.

From the Back Cover

A Short Guide to Action Research, Fourth Edition

Andrew P. Johnson

 

 

This user-friendly text provides students with everything a pre-service or in-service teacher needs to know to conduct an action research project in a clear, step-by-step presentation.

 

A Short Guide in Action Research, Fourth Edition, guides the learner through both qualitative and quantitative techniques in educational research methods and then describes all phases of the process, including selecting a topic; collecting, analyzing, and reporting data; reviewing the literature; and presenting the report. Data collection techniques reflecting popular authentic assessments and real-life examples enliven concepts throughout the text. Step-by-step directions for using action research to complete a Master’s Thesis are included.

 

Features of This Text

• Field Experience examples for both professor and student are expanded. These easy-to-access examples incorporate real-world experience into the classroom setting.
• Action research questions to use as ideas for projects are included at the end of each chapter in the book.
• NEW! Website www.AR-Johnson.com features video mini-lectures for each chapter; examples of action research projects, literature reviews, action research proposals, and Masters theses; guidelines, additional information and video tutorials related to academic writing; a variety of downloadable forms, checklists, and data retrieval charts; links to professional development resources and expanded chapter content.
• Chapter 5 contains new information related to writing a literature review.  Included here are step-by-step instructions that take you through all phases of action research including finding sources, note-taking, organization, drafting, using citations, and creating the reference page.
• Chapter 6 contains a variety of new data collection techniques including conducting  email interviews, conducting online surveys, and using online platforms.
• Chapter 9: Evaluating, Describing, and Proposing Research is new to this edition.  Included here are: (a) a general overview related to the use and misuse of research in education, (b) a description of the principles and definition of scientifically based research, (c) specific guidelines for evaluation of quantitative and qualitative research, (d) a description of an annotated bibliography, and (e) a description of a research proposal.  Two sample action research proposals are also included here.
• Tips for reporting quantitative and qualitative data are revised and contained in one chapter (Chapter 10).
• In this edition, all sample action research projects are found in the Appendix.  New sample action research projects are included.

Here’s what your colleagues have to say about this book:

 

“This book is excellent. The author manages to explain action research and how to do it without frightening the novice researcher away from what can be a very full-filling and informative endeavor.”

–Sandra Luna McCune, Stephen F. Austin State University

 

“A Short Guide to Action Research provides a concise, thorough picture of action research. It successfully mixes theory and practical information in covering the topics related to action research.”

–Carole Milner, Minnesota State University

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0132685868
• ISBN 13: 9780132685863
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 304