Action Research for Educators, 2nd edition.

This book is a straightforward, no-nonsense guide to a research method that can be used by educators to increase student learning, student self-esteem, and quality of school life in the classroom. This user-friendly book covers the principles and history of action research, ethical and legal considerations, methods for conducting both formal and informal action research, data collection methods, analysis and interpretation, action planning and initiation, and results evaluation. The author includes numerous examples, strategies, and illustrations that can be applied to elementary and secondary schools as well as university settings. Contents include: (1) The Nature of Educational Research; (2) Action Research; (3) Data Collection Methods; (4) Data Analysis and Interpretation; (5) Solving Problems and Taking Action; (6) Evaluating Action Research; and (7) Conducting Action Research. Foreword by J. Dennis Hastert and an introduction are also included This Book Is A Straightforward, No Nonsense Guide To A Research Method That Can Be Used By Educators To Increase Student Learning And Self-esteem, As Well As The Quality Of School Life In The Classroom. This Second Edition Covers The Principles And History Of Action Research, Ethical And Legal Considerations, Methods For Conducting Both Formal And Informal Action Research, Data Collection Methods, Analysis And Interpretation, Action Planning And Initiation, And Results Evaluation.--jacket. The Nature Of Educational Research. Principles Of Research ; Quantitative Versus Qualitative Research ; Action Research Principles -- Action Research. History Of Action Research ; Action Research Model ; Developing An Action Research Proposal ; Conducting A Literature Review ; Sampling Techniques ; Benchmarking ; Ethical And Legal Considerations -- Data Collection Methods. The Nature Of Data Collection ; Observing ; Interviewing ; Surveying ; Assessing -- Data Analysis And Interpretation. Threats To Validity ; Using Descriptive Statistics ; Significance Levels And Tests Of Significance ; Using Graphs And Diagrams ; Writing Narrative Reports -- Solving Problems And Taking Action. Barriers To Problem Solving ; Steps In Problem Solving ; Managing Change ; Planning And Initiating Action ; Data-driven Decision Making (dddm) -- Evaluating Action Research. Areas For Evaluation ; Methods For Evaluating Results ; Evaluating Action Research Studies -- Conducting Action Research. Sample Research Study Analysis ; Collaborative Process Intervention : An Action Research Study ; Modifying Discussion And Assessment Techniques To Increase Student Understanding And Teacher Reflective Practices. Daniel R. Tomal. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 189-191) And Index. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. CONTENTS 4 FOREWORD 8 PREFACE 10 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 16 Chapter 01. THE NATURE OF EDUCATION RESEARCH 18 Chapter 02. ACTION RESEARCH 30 Chapter 03. DATA COLLECTION METHODS 52 Chapter 04. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 108 Chapter 05. SOLVING PROBLEMS AND TAKING ACTION 138 Chapter 06. EVALUATING ACTION RESEARCH 152 Chapter 07. CONDUCTING ACTION RESEARCH 160 Appendix A. ETHICAL STANDARDS OF THE AMERICAN EDUCATION RESEARCH ASSOCIATION 186 Appendix B. INFORMED CONSENT 190 Appendix C. AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION DEFINITION OF SCIENTIFICALLY BASED RESEARCH 194 Appendix D. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT 196 Appendix E. SAMPLE CONSENT FORM 198 Appendix F. ONE HUNDRED IDEAS FOR CONDUCTING ACTION RESEARCH 200 BIBLIOGRAPHY 206 INDEX 210 ABOUT THE AUTHOR 214 9781607096467