Work-Based Research in the Early Years

In the early years sector 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, this text offers a ′real world′ approach to research consistent with models that involve the active participation of children and families. With the aim of clarifying themes and concepts for inexperienced researchers, the text explores ethical 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. This book provides practitioners and undergraduates with a greater understanding of the position of the researcher, how to facilitate research and the way in which research underpins raising achievement and change in the workplace. There is an emphasis on impact of research on practice, illustrated through reflection on the authors′ experience of preparing this text. Sue Callan is an Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Michael Reed is a Senior Lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Studies at the University of Worcester.

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

About the Author :
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 of books including  Reflective Practice in the Early Years (2010), Quality Improvement and Change in the Early Years (2012)  and Work Based Research in the Early Years (2012), all published by SAGE.

Review :
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