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Work-Based Research in the Early Years
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Work-Based Research in the Early Years

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August 2011 | 160 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

In the early years sector of education, all practitioners are now expected to engage in work-based research,as a means of improving practice and demonstrating leadership. Using examples from recent practitioner projects, Work-Based Research in the Early Years focuses on the development of research in practice and how it can work in a variety of settings.

With the aim of clarifying themes and concepts for inexperienced researchers, the text explores principles underpinning research, supported by case studies, which will be of particular relevance to students undertaking their own small-scale investigations. Further reading on research methodology is also included.

Chapters are organized under three headings:

  • planning for research;
  • doing research;
  • learning from research.

Concentrating on action research, this book provides practitioners and undergraduates with a greater understanding of the position of the researcher, how to facilitate research and how to ensure it underpins raising achievement and change in the workplace. There is an emphasis on the impact of research on practice, illustrated through reflection.

Sue Callan, Michael Reed and Alison Murphy
Introduction/Rationale for the Text
Sue Callan and Alison Jackson
Concepts of Quality and Ethical Practice
Michael Reed
Investigating Practice in the Early Years: Improving Quality
Olliver, Picken and Sue Callan
Research as Reflective Practice: Exploring Values, Assumptions and Attitudes
Jude Simms with Sue Callan
Taking a Critical Approach to the Literature Review
Alice Paige-Smith, Carole Ellis and Alison Morrall
Clarifying Purpose, Methods and Outcomes
Alison Jackson and Sharon Smith
Explaining Triangulation
Sue Foster and Sue Callan
Continuing the Reflective Process in an Evolving Study
Tracy Davies and Linda Tyler
Presenting and Discussing Results and Outcomes
Carla Solvason
Creating Environments and Cultures for Enquiry

This book offers an excellent collection of chapters which encourage early years practitioners to examine their practice in the light of research concepts and gain an understanding of the processes of preparing for, doing and learning from research. The book bridges practice and research, by articulating and exemplifying them as rigorous, thorough and ethical encounters and illustrates that work-based research is as meaningful and important as academic research. Highly recommended for everyone who thinks to conduct research in their own work place' -
Theodora Papatheodorou, Anglia Ruskin University

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


Sue Callan

Michael Reed

Michael Reed is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Early Childhood, within the Institute of Education at the University of Worcester. He teaches on undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to child development, practice based research and leadership.  He is a qualified teacher and hold advanced qualifications in Educational Inquiry, Educational Psychology and Special Education.  He was a member of course development and writing teams at the Open University and an experienced author. He has a particular interest in practice based inquiry and research evaluating ways to improve quality in practice. He has co-edited a number... More About Author

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ISBN: 9780857021755
£33.99

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