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 is an essential recommendation
This is a well structured and logical book, which is supported by a range of activities and case studies. This should help students undertaking an action research project.
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.
I particularly found McAteer a critical and evaluative writer; and enjoyed her approach to data collection, analysis, and evaluative methodologies.
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.
Clear text to support students in this approach
Jean McNiff is the most used text, it was intersting to take an alternative perspective
It is a useful book but quite specific may be included in reference lists/bibliographies for Masters students
A useful book for those that are undertaking the optional DTLLS module on action research.It provides a comprehensive view of the nature and purpose of action research.
the book was at a level that was deemed to indepth for level 3
