Action Research for Educators / Edition 1

by Daniel R. Tomal Concordia University Chic

Overview

Most research methods are too impractical and painstaking for educators. Teachers and administrators at all levels—elementary, secondary, and university—need a simple, yet powerful book on conducting action research as a viable method for making educational improvements. This user-friendly book covers the principles and history of action research, ethical and legal considerations, how to conduct both formal and informal action research, data collection methods, data analysis and interpretation, planning and initiating action, and evaluating the results of action. Illustrations are included in each chapter.

Features:
· A procedure model for using action research in the school environment.
· A model of action research with examples.
· A comprehensive description of how action research varies from the use of qualitative and quantitative research methodology.
· Examples of benchmarking techniques that can aid an educator in using action research.
· Examples of how to conduct literature reviews.
· A detailed explanation of collecting data and analyzing this data in a practical manner.
· Practical tips and strategies to analyze data using basic statistical methods.
· Samples of teacher action research projects and references.
· How to construct graphs using Microsoft Excel.
· Methods of evaluating action research.
· Explanation of how to conduct a formal action research proposal.
· Strategies in conducting interviews and surveys.

Designed for elementary and secondary teachers and administrators as a practical guide, and for university professors as a required textbook or supplemental book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810846135
Publisher:	R&L Education
Publication date:	04/09/2003
Series:	The Concordia University Leadership Series
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.04(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.41(d)

About the Author

Daniel R. Tomal is professor and acting chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at Concordia University teaching educational leadership and research as well as a consultant and author of six books such as Discipline by Negotiation, and has made guest appearances on many national radio and television shows.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Preface Part 2 Acknowledgments Part 3 Chapter 1: The Nature of Educational Research Chapter 4 Principles of Research Chapter 5 Quantitative Versus Qualitative Research Chapter 6 Action Research Principles Part 7 Chapter 2: Action Research Chapter 8 History of Action Research Chapter 9 Action Research Model Chapter 10 Statement of the Problem (Initial Diagnosis) Chapter 11 Developing an Action Research Proposal Chapter 12 Benchmarking Chapter 13 Ethical and Legal Considerations Part 14 Chapter 3: Data Collection Methods Chapter 15 The Nature of Data Collection Chapter 16 Observing Chapter 17 Interviewing Chapter 18 Surveying Chapter 19 Assessing Chapter 20 Processing Part 21 Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Interpretation Chapter 22 Threats to Validity Chapter 23 Using Descriptive Statistics Chapter 24 Using Graphs and Diagrams Chapter 25 Writing Narrative Reports Part 26 Chapter 5: Solving Problems and Taking Action Chapter 27 Barriers to Problem Solving Chapter 28 Steps in Solving Problems Chapter 29 Managing Change Chapter 30 Planning and Initiating Action Part 31 Chapter 6: Evaluating Action Research Chapter 32 Areas for Evaluation Chapter 33 Methods for Evaluating Results Part 34 Chapter 7: Conducting Action Research Chapter 35 Sample Research Study Chapter 36 Collaborative Process Intervention: An Action Research Study Part 37 Appendix A: Ethical Standards of the American Educational Research Association Part 38 Appendix B: Seventy-Five Ideas for Conducting Action Research Part 39 Bibliography Part 40 Index Part 41 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Tomal provides a guide to action research that should be in the library of every educator. The principles of this book have the potential to motivate teachers, inspire best practices, and to pursue action plans that transform schools. Reading this book will enhance the practice of novice educators interested in problem solving and heighten the resolve of experienced educators to engage in practical research. A must-read for practicing educators and students. Essential.

Choice

Tomal provides a guide to action research that should be in the library of every educator. The principles of this book have the potential to motivate teachers, inspire best practices, and to pursue action plans that transform schools. Reading this book will enhance the practice of novice educators interested in problem solving and heighten the resolve of experienced educators to engage in practical research. A must-read for practicing educators and students. Essential.

Choice Reviews

Tomal provides a guide to action research that should be in the library of every educator. The principles of this book have the potential to motivate teachers, inspire best practices, and to pursue action plans that transform schools. Reading this book will enhance the practice of novice educators interested in problem solving and heighten the resolve of experienced educators to engage in practical research. A must-read for practicing educators and students. Essential.--CHOICE

From the Publisher

Tomal provides a guide to action research that should be in the library of every educator. The principles of this book have the potential to motivate teachers, inspire best practices, and to pursue action plans that transform schools. Reading this book will enhance the practice of novice educators interested in problem solving and heighten the resolve of experienced educators to engage in practical research. A must-read for practicing educators and students. Essential.

CHOICE

As school leaders search for answers to questions about the best way to improve the teaching and learning process, one of the most critical challenges they face is connecting the dots between were they are and where they want to be. This book is a comprehensive tool to support a professional learning community in identifying a problem, collecting and analyzing relevant data, and establishing clear, specific goals that are focused on student learning.

Sallie D. Penman

Tomal's book provides a practical and understandable approach to action research that can validate improvement strategies to foster gains in student achievement. He removes the stigma of research with his clear explanation of terms, illustrative examples, and is able to convey complex concepts in understandable language. This is a must read for any educator looking to take his or her practice to the next level.

Robert A. Rammer

Tomal provides an excellent basis for understanding action research that is relevant and practical for all educators. The essential research principles, strategies, and theoretical concepts have been well explained and are clearly connected and reinforced through concrete examples in his book. I am confident that Action Research for Educators will provide a positive contribution to education and improve our skills as educators.

Robert K. Wilhite

This is a book that is both substantive and readable. Action research has a tremendous potential for school reform that has yet to be tapped. Tomal builds an understanding of this important concept from the ground up by providing a strong theoretical framework, and clear concrete examples.

James A. Rycik

Tomal's book thoughtfully weaves the theoretical underpinnings of action research with practical step-by-step insights about a procedure model for conducting action research. It is organized in a manner to give the neophyte, novice, advanced teacher or administrator viable methods for conducting both formal and informal action research. This book is a must for every educator's bookshelf committed to inquiry and the principles of reflective research.

Gary N. Frisch

Practical, feasible, collaborative not only defines the process of action research, but also describes this well written, accessible Action Research text. Highly recommended as a college-level text as well as a guide for staff developers and classroom teachers seeking to improve their practice and student learning.

Joan B. Lampert

This book is excellent with relevant and very clearly presented information regarding action research. My students find it very helpful.

Elaine M. Bukowiecki

Are you planning to conduct action research or are you teaching an action research course? If so, this book is for you. The book provides you with all you need from a description of how action research varies using qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, through models of action research with excellent examples, to methods of evaluating action research. Action Research for Educators is a must-have book for anyone involved in action research.

Edward C. Mann

Tomal provides a guide to action research that should be in the library of every educator. The principles of this book have the potential to motivate teachers, inspire best practices, and to pursue action plans that transform schools. Reading this book will enhance the practice of novice educators interested in problem solving and heighten the resolve of experienced educators to engage in practical research. A must-read for practicing educators and students. Essential.

(For The First Edition) Choice Reviews

Tomal provides a guide to action research that should be in the library of every educator. The principles of this book have the potential to motivate teachers, inspire best practices, and to pursue action plans that transform schools. Reading this book will enhance the practice of novice educators interested in problem solving and heighten the resolve of experienced educators to engage in practical research. A must-read for practicing educators and students. Essential.

(For The First Edition) Choice

Tomal provides a guide to action research that should be in the library of every educator. The principles of this book have the potential to motivate teachers, inspire best practices, and to pursue action plans that transform schools. Reading this book will enhance the practice of novice educators interested in problem solving and heighten the resolve of experienced educators to engage in practical research. A must-read for practicing educators and students. Essential.

(For The First Edition) CHOICE