You are here

Doing Research in Further Education and Training
Share

Doing Research in Further Education and Training



May 2013 | 128 pages | Learning Matters
Research is an essential component of professional practice. Whether it be action research in a specialist subject or a more formal empirical study, research can improve the quality of teaching and and enhance professional development. This text is a guide to a range of approaches written specifically for teachers and trainee teachers in the Further Education and Skills Sector.

The text covers all aspects of research and explores how research through day-to-day investigations can enhance practice. In all chapters, examples and real-life scenarios from the Further Education and Skills Sector are included, helping the reader to link theory and practice. Whether you need to complete a research project for your teaching qualification, or you need to understand how action research can support your professional development, this text will give you the essential, focused guidance you need.

 
Why Do It? How Doing Research Can Support Teaching and Learning
 
Research Ethics and How We Apply Them in Further Education and Training
 
Choosing and Planning Your Research Project
 
Looking in the Mirror: Action Research as Reflective Practice
 
Getting on the Case: Case Studies and Insider Research
 
Questions and Answers: Questionnaires and Focus Groups
 
Watching and Listening: Observations and Interviews
 
Paper Chase: Exploring Policies and Other Documents
 
What Does It All Mean? Analyzing Your Findings
 
Sharing Your Findings: Writing up a Project or Making a Presentation
 
Putting It All Together and Writing Your Research Assignment
 
Index

Excellent introduction for DET students embarking on first Action Research topic

Mrs Joanne Mead
Education & Training, Havering Adult College
September 3, 2015

The book provides a general surface level introduction to those wishing to engage in Action research. It provides you with a step by step approach and guide from how to start and plan through to presenting your findings. However, it was the reviewer’s opinion from the lack of critical analysis advice and input within the book, that it is aimed at the vocational sector of the Further Education and Skills sector. I would struggle to see many graduates on level 7 (M) programmes benefiting from this text.

That said, this publication does explain all the processes required for an action research project and is written in Wallace's normal 'easy to read' style so you can use it as a step by step guide as your project develops or it makes a comfortable read to complete in one sitting without leaving the reader feeling over whelmed.

We will be recommending it as a recommending it as supplemental reading for the Initial Teacher Education courses rather than a key text.

Mr Neil Barnes
Education Department, Colchester Institute
September 28, 2015

This book provides a step by step guide for those doing research - it will be good support for students on Diploma in Education and Training.

Mrs Davina Balls
Teacher Training, Great Yarmouth College
November 21, 2015

Susan Wallace provides essential and sound advice for anyone who is starting an Emirpical Study Module or research project. structured to progress the reader through the key stages of research, this books offers clear, sound advice using case studies to enhance understanding. I am currently using the book for my own studies and it has changed my strategy and research concepts.

Mr Marc Corner
Teacher Training, Akuro Limited
October 5, 2013

In depth guide to research however may be too detailed for those on the level 3/4 PTLLS/CTLLS courses

Mr Adrian Stanfield
Basford Hall College, New College Nottingham
September 7, 2013

This will be the core text for my trainee teachers in the Further Education and Lifelong Learning Sector.

It reinforces the links between researching and improving practice well.

Lynette Morris
Internal Quality Assurance, Chiltern Training Group
August 15, 2013

A very useful text book for those who are new to research, but also helpful for those already in the sector and research active.

Dr Janet Oti
Newport School of Education, University of Wales, Newport
June 26, 2013

Useful for staff rather than learners, will be using to assist planning

Miss Amy Yorke
Health and Social Care, Warrington Collegiate
June 25, 2013

A clear and concise guide to what is needed. Discussions and case studies are really useful for students to see how theory is used in practice.

Mrs Irene Scott
Faculty of Education (Parkgate), Chester University
June 11, 2013

For Dtlls year 2 Action Reseach module a real must as to how to put the whole module together, and a general alround understanding about how to research, and how to get the most out of the questins posed.

Mr Paul Reed
Teaching, Learning and Standards, Riverside College Halton
June 3, 2013

Susan Wallace

Susan Wallace is Professor of Continuing Education at Nottingham Trent University. She is responsible for mentoring newly appointed staff in the School of Education, and has published extensively on the professional development of teachers and trainers. More About Author

Purchasing options

Please select a format:

ISBN: 9781446259184
£92.00