Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators introduces both novice and experienced practicing educators to the process of designing and conducting classroom-based action research in order to make their instructional practices more effective. This practical text focuses on the research methods and procedures that educators can use in their everyday instructional practices, classroom activities, and school procedures. Using over 20 years of teaching experience, author Craig A. Mertler provides insightful coverage of the knowledge and skills needed to design research studies, conduct research, and communicate findings to relevant stakeholders.
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Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
PART I • WHAT IS ACTION RESEARCH?
CHAPTER 1 • Introduction to Action Research
Chapter 1 Organizer
What Is Action Research?
The Importance of Action Research
Applications of Action Research
Rigor in Action Research
Summary
Questions and Activities
Key Terms
Student Study Site
Conducting Action Research
CHAPTER 2 • Overview of the Action Research Process
Chapter 2 Organizer
Stages and Steps in Action Research
The Planning Stage
The Acting Stage
The Developing Stage
The Reflecting Stage
A Brief Example
Summary
Questions and Activities
Key Terms
Student Study Site
Conducting Action Research
PART II • HOW DO I BEGIN MY ACTION RESEARCH STUDY?
CHAPTER 3 • Planning for Action Research and Reviewing Related Literature
Chapter 3 Organizer
Identifying a Topic for Research
Gathering Preliminary Information
Reviewing the Related Literature
Summary
Questions and Activities
Key Terms
Student Study Site
Conducting Action Research
CHAPTER 4 • Developing a Research Plan
Chapter 4 Organizer
Research Questions
Basic Research Designs
Ethical Considerations in Your Research
Getting Organized for Your Research
Summary
Questions and Activities
Key Terms
Student Study Site
Conducting Action Research
PART III • WHAT DO I DO WITH ALL THESE DATA?
CHAPTER 5 • Collecting Data
Chapter 5 Organizer
Qualitative Data Collection Techniques
Quantitative Data Collection Techniques
Notes About Ethics and Data Collection
A Final Note About Organization and Alignment
Summary
Questions and Activities
Key Terms
Student Study Site
Conducting Action Research
CHAPTER 6 • Analyzing Data
Chapter 6 Organizer
Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques
Quantitative Data Analysis Techniques
A Note About Mixed-Methods Data Analysis
Reporting the Results of Data Analysis
Summary
Questions and Activities
Key Terms
Student Study Site
Conducting Action Research
PART IV • I’VE GOT RESULTS! . . . NOW WHAT?
CHAPTER 7 • Next Steps and Future Cycles: Developing an Action Plan
Chapter 7 Organizer
Developing Action Plans
Levels of Action Plans
Action Planning: A Time for Reflection
Summary
Questions and Activities
Key Terms
Student Study Site
Conducting Action Research
CHAPTER 8 • Writing an Action Research Report
Chapter 8 Organizer
Conventions of Academic Writing
A Word About Ethics When Writing Research Reports
Practical Guidelines for Writing
Summary
Questions and Activities
Key Terms
Student Study Site
Conducting Action Research
CHAPTER 9 • Sharing and Reflecting
Chapter 9 Organizer
Communicating the Results of Action Research
Reflecting on the Action Research Process
Summary
Questions and Activities
Key Terms
Student Study Site
Conducting Action Research
Appendix A. Sample Action Research Report: What Is the Impact of Positive Female Role Models and Mentoring Opportunities on the Self-Efficacy of Girls in Science?
Appendix B. Sample Action Research Report: The Relationship Between the Strategy of Knowledge Folders and Study Skills
Appendix C. Action Research Developmental Templates
Glossary
References
Index
Over de auteur
Craig A. Mertler is currently an Associate Professor of Action Research and Quantitative Methods at Barry University in Miami, Florida. He began his career as a high school biology teacher. He has been an educator for 39 years—29 of those in higher education at Bowling Green State University, the University of West Georgia, Lynn University, Arizona State University, and Barry University, and 12 years as an administrator (department chair, doctoral program director, and education dean). Over his career, he has taught courses focused on the application of action research to promote educator empowerment, school improvement, and job-embedded professional development, as well as classroom assessment, research methods, and statistical analyses. He has served as the research methodology expert and/or chair on more than 140 doctoral dissertations and master’s theses. He is the author of 30 books, 9 invited book chapters, and 25 refereed journal articles. He has also presented more than 40 research papers at professional meetings around the country, as well as internationally.He conducts workshops for in-service educational professionals (at all levels) on classroom-based action research and on the topics of classroom assessment and assessment literacy, as well as data-driven educational decision making. His primary research and consulting interests include classroom-based action research, data-driven educational decision making, professional learning communities, and classroom teachers’ assessment literacy. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling with his family to the beach and sometimes writing a little fiction. Dr. Mertler can be reached at [email protected] for consulting, professional development, and speaking engagements. Additionally, you can visit his website at www.craigmertler.com.
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