Effective Action Research: Developing Reflective Thinking and Practice(Continuum Research Methods)

This new edition offers practical advice to educational practitioners engaging with action research, helping them to understand the key issues involved in completing successful action research projects.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Introduction 1. What is Action Research? 2. Why Undertake Action Research? 3. How Do I Develop an Action Research Project? 4. How Do I Collect Action Research Data? 5. How Do I Analyse Action Research Data? 6. How Do I Produce an Action Research Report? 7. How Will My Action Research Report be Assessed? 8. How Do I Publish My Action Research Report? 9. Recommended Further Reading 10. Endnote: The Theory and Practice of Action Research Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Patrick J. M. Costello is Professor of Primary Education and Deputy Director (Research) of the Centre for Pedagogical Research and Scholarship, Glyndwr University, UK.

Review :
Reading Effective Action Research is like having a good tutor at your side as you move through each step of your project. Like a good tutor, Costello does not provide all the answers for you, but rather asks you to think for yourself using a series of Reflection Exercises. He then points you to possible solutions, his own and those of other experts in the field. This is a very practical and accessible book for those wanting to engage in Action Research. Not only does the author explain clearly what Action Research is, but highlights the necessity to apply rigour and engages the reader in a series of reflective questions. A particularly useful section concerns the limitations of adopting traditional notions of validity, reliability and generalisability to qualitative research, by discussing the role of trustworthiness as an alternative. Also, the format for an Action Research project is especially helpful, along with a very useful bibliography. This book is not only an excellent read for those wanting to engage in Action Research for the first time, but a refresher for those students and tutors returning to it. This is an excellent generic text for all students involved in Action Research in education and other disciplines, be it the novice or experienced researcher. The book focuses throughout on developing reflective thinking as a means of underpinning practice to produce effective Action Research. Patrick Costello has the ability to demystify Action Research in an engaging and instructive manner. Each chapter responds to pertinent questions posed about Action Research and is well-supported by many practical examples and reflective exercises coupled with down-to-earth advice. This book will be invaluable in helping researchers develop successful Action Research projects. If you are serious about Action Research, Effective Action Research is a must for your bookshelf! A succinct and practical guide for any teacher considering or undertaking an Action Research project. Highly recommended. Effective Action Research is a model of balance and clarity; the text is simply expressed and carefully structured to lead students from a tentative idea for classroom inquiry to a complete and credible research project. In particular, the use of Reflective Exercises at the end of each chapter, encourages students to begin thinking like a researcher, thereby modelling the process they will need to go through to effectively complete an Action Research project. As a lecturer in education, I frequently need to promote the principles of Action Research and Reflective Practice to trainee teachers. After reading this excellent book, both lecturers and trainees will be better prepared to produce better research. You couldn't read this book and not be convinced of the importance of Action Research and Reflective Practice as the basis of improved classroom practice. This book should be essential reading for any trainee or established teacher wanting to plan, observe, record, analyse, evaluate and share their experiences of teaching and learning. This book combines a convincing justification for Action Research and Reflective Practice in the classroom with simple practical advice about searching library catalogues and structuring a research proposal...and it covers everything in between as well! At a time of economic austerity, when grants and bursaries for teachers are scarce, Action Research offers an accessible option for teachers wanting to systematically inquire into their classroom practice. Patrick Costello's book provides excellent step by step guidance for students and teachers wanting to turn an idea for improvement into a research project. Essential reading for teachers engaged in research into their own practice. Patrick Costello provides a lucid and highly readable insight into the purposes, processes and outcomes of Action Research. I highly recommend this book to any teacher or educationalist who wishes to undertake effective action research.