A Toolkit for Action Research

This book facilitates the completion of action research studies by providing a series of tasks that guide action researchers from the beginning of a project and selecting a topic for study, to completion of the project and editing final reports. All too often, students and practicing professionals in professional development schools are overwhelmed by the thought of doing an action research project and resort to using quasi-experimental designs. A Toolkit for Action Research puts an end to both, with the result being a life-long learning and reflection tool for teachers. This workbook can be used alone, or in conjunction with traditional action research texts, such as Daniel Tomal's Action Research for Educators.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Dedication Part 2 Preface Part 3 Acknowledgments Part 4 Section One - Setting the Stage for the Action Research Project Chapter 5 Finding My Topic - Part 2 Chapter 6 Developing a Thesis Statement Chapter 7 Asking Your Research Question Chapter 8 Preparing to Discuss the Problem and Context of Your Study Chapter 9 Describing the Purpose of Your Research Chapter 10 Identifying Related Aspects of Your General Topic - Method I Chapter 11 Identifying Related Aspects of Your General Topic - Method II Chapter 12 Organizing for Writing Part 13 Section Two - Review of the Related Literature Chapter 14 Writing the Rationale for Your Study Chapter 15 Preparing for the Review of the Related Literature Chapter 16 Research Records Chapter 17 Definitions Chapter 18 Preparing to Write the Review of Related Literature - The Introduction Chapter 19 Preparing to Write the Body of the Review of the Related Literature - Organizing the Review of the Literature Chapter 20 Writing the Review of the Related Literature - Ethics Checklist Part 21 Section Three - Methodology Chapter 22 Methodology Frames Chapter 23 Planning and Data Collection - Ethics Checklist Chapter 24 Data Collection Tools Chapter 25 Ethics Checklist Chapter 26 Section Four - Data Analysis and Display Chapter 27 From Implementation to Analysis Chapter 28 Data Sorting Frames Chapter 29 Displaying Data Part 30 Section Five - Discussion, Implications, Recommendations Chapter 31 Planning the Discussion, Implications and Conclusions Chapter 32 Discussion, Implications, Conclusions - Ethics Checklist Chapter 33 Final Editing Checklist

About the Author :
Sandra M. Alber is associate professor of education at Oakland University. She has mentored hundreds of action researchers since 1992.

Review :
A Toolkit for Action Research is a very practical and useful resource for conducting meaningful research. Further, this book is a must for teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses on research as it includes a plethora of forms for immediate use. Sandra Alber's A Toolkit for Action Research fills a void that exists for many novices between the theory and actual practice of Action Research. By providing a practical handbook consisting of "frames" for considering the issues and steps involved from the first conceptualization stages through the final completion of the research and presentation of findings in written form, the book becomes a bridge spanning this chasm. A Toolkit for Action Research is a comprehensive, practical handbook on the art and science of doing action research. Intended to be used as an interactive workbook, the book is divided into five sections, starting with the basics of selecting a topic and ending with strategies for final editing. This is a must-have resource for a variety of audiences, including P-12 teachers and administrators, teacher education candidates, higher education professors, and other practicing professionals. Dr. Sandra Alber has written a user-friendly guide for pre-service and in-service teachers who wish to engage in action research projects to inform their teaching. The book walks the user through all phases of the project in easy-to-follow steps that facilitate success and limit stress. This is a book I will use myself and strongly recommend to the teachers and students I work with. A great supplemental, resource guide for guiding students through action research