Action Research for Classrooms, Schools, and Communities

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments Part I: Answering the Call to Action Chapter 1: Action Research in Contemporary Contexts Defining Action Research Action Research and the Context of Contemporary School Reform Complex Educational Systems Systems Theory Rationale for Action Research Defining Action Research Main Features of Action Research Change as the Desired Outcome Chapter 2: Approaches to Action Research "Something That Matters" Approaches to Educational Research Identifying an Action Research Topic: Problem Posing and Reflection Action Research Case Studies and Understanding Your Impact on Student Learning Collaborative Action Research Projects Action Research Across the Educational System Methodological Approaches Part II: Planning an Action Research Study Chapter 3: Literature Review and Theoretical Frameworks Planning Your Study Reviewing Relevant Literature Guiding Theoretical Frameworks Selected Theories Action Research Compared to Traditional Educational Research Chapter 4: Research Questions and Ethics Problem Posing: Developing Research Questions Planning for Data Collection Choosing Between Qualitative and Quantitative Methods Ethical Concerns Institutional Review Boards Part III: Collecting and Analyzing Data Chapter 5: Qualitative Approaches to Data Collection Chapter Overview Qualitative Data Collection Chapter 6: Understanding Through Qualitative Data Analysis Chapter Introduction Data Analysis and Action Research Procedures for Data for Qualitative Analysis Understanding Validity and "Trustworthiness" Chapter 7: Quantitative Approaches to Data Collection and Analysis Chapter Overview Working with Assessment Data Surveys and Questionnaires Statistical Analysis Quantitative Content Analysis Mixed Methods Approaches Chapter Reflection Part IV: Sharing Findings Chapter 8: Reflection and the Action Research Report Iterative Nature of Writing Up Findings Reflection on Findings Action Research as "Risky Business" Alternatives to Traditional Written Reports Advocating for Yourself and Others Reflection References Index

Review :
"This book takes a fresh approach to action research by teaching others to use action research to understand how the community impacts schools and how this powerful link can be used to examine school reform endeavors.  I highly recommend it if you teach advanced action research courses." "These chapters are also an excellent way of introducing students to the undergraduate research process and provides stepping stones for those who will be seeking graduate degrees and required to conduct research at that level." "Practical, related to educational inquiry, appropriate to action research instruction."