Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher

by Geoffrey E. Mills

Note: This is the bound book only and does not include access to the Enhanced Pearson eText. To order the Enhanced Pearson eText packaged with a bound book, use ISBN 0133387445. Born of the author's own experience working with teachers and principals, Action Research, 5/e, provides a research-based step-by-step outline of how to do action research. The author guides teachers and administrators through the action research process via numerous concrete illustrations; positioning it as a fundamental component of teaching. The Enhanced Pearson eText features embedded video. From reviews of the book: "Mills' writing style is informative, direct, and personalized and his expertise as a researcher is evident throughout the textbook. He fully understands the uniqueness of teacher-centered research. . . . The language and the illustration cater to the classroom research contexts and it is easy to understand and apply." --Adel Al-Bataineh, Illinois State University "The book emphasizes the importance of reflection and creating an action plan. . . . Examples of action research papers are included. There are study sites, videos, slides and other supplemental materials available for the students to consult for ancillary learning. The writing style is clear, interesting and engaging. Throughout the text, Mills offers the reader a research scenario that helps to position him or her around the theme of the chapter and context of the research phase. This helps to alleviate some of the anxiety students of action research may experience as they begin each aspect of the action research process." --Beverly Melenyzer, California University of Pennsylvania "[T]he survey examples, SurveyMonkey, and direct observation examples are very good, as well as the informal interview, making records, [and] data collection techniques. . . . [T]he section on re-aligning the focus and action research plan is very good. I find my students doing this as they are doing their literature review and understanding that they need to narrow the scope of their research. I like the example of doing AR in Ch. 6. . . . I like the inclusion of the data analysis, sample interview and other models of how to analyze data. . . . The key strengths of the project are the authentic examples of AR." --Mary Frances Agnello, Texas Tech University Features Balanced coverage of data collection and analysis techniques for qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods Chapter 4, Data Collection Techniques, covers collection techniques for the most frequently used qualitative and quantitative data, including observations, interviews, teacher-made tests, and standardized test data.
Chapter 6, Data Analysis and Interpretation, guides students through data analysis and provides techniques, coding guidelines, and examples for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data.
Inclusion throughout the text of digital research tools that can be used by action researchers through each phase of the action research process. A focus on producing critical consumers of action research Chapter 9, Evaluating Action Research, helps students learn to read and critique studies completed by others. Included in Chapter 9 is an article from an action research journal that is analyzed using the new criteria for evaluating action research.
Appendix A, Action Research in Action, contains an extended example and evaluation of an action research case study. Expanded coverage of the ethics of conducting research in your own classroom Chapter 2, Ethics, includes discussion of ethical guidelines and provides guidance for seeking and obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Improve mastery and retention with the Enhanced Pearson eText*
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Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, College, Textbooks, Professional Development, Grad School

272 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 1999

Reviews

[joshigaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read it for a class, and I found it to be helpful. It was easy to read and understand, and I felt it addressed all the necessary components of conducting and then writing about action research. My only complaint is one that I have for a lot of academic literature on education: It's too fluffy. I feel like so many texts for educators are written like the author is talking to elementary or middle schoolers. It just ends up feeling trite. Present the information as it would be presented in any other academic text...without unnecessary embellishments and an overuse of cliches, reassurances, and out-of-place personal anecdotes.

Overall a good resource though.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my grad class. Was very thorough and informative. Helped me develop a research plan for my classroom.

[James]

Known for its practical, step-by-step guidance for teachers on how to do research in classrooms. Born of the author's own experience working with teachers and principals, this book provides a step-by-step outline of how to “do” action research—backed by the most extensive theory and research coverage on the market today. The author guides future educators through the action research process via numerous concrete illustrations and a wealth of on-line resources; positioning it as a fundamental component of teaching, alongside curriculum development, assessment, and classroom management. Key changes in the revision include: a new chapter on ethics (Chapter 5), expanded discussion of literature review, expanded discussion of data collection techniques using quantitative data collection techniques, expanded coverage of data analysis and interpretation techniques, and expanded coverage of descriptive statistics in Appendix B. Accessible, comprehensive, scholastically sound—this is a “hands-on” guide for anyone who aspires to be an exceptional educator. FEATURES: NEW! Expanded coverage of "Ethics"--Includes a new chapter devoted to ethics (Chapter 5). NEW! Revised and increased discussion of quantitative data techniques--Found throughout Chapter 3. NEW! Expanded discussion on the use of style manuals (e.g., APA Manual of Style)-- Readers can find this important, applicable information in the newly added Chapter 8. NEW! Increased discussion of descriptive statistics and action research-- Includes other ways to calculate standard deviation, not just by using SPSS (Appendix B). NEW! Rearranged order of chapters pertaining to the writing of and sharing of action research-- Presents a clearer path to understanding. Now in the new edition readers will learn about "Writing Up Action Research" (Chapter 8) before the "Sharing, Critiquing, and Celebrating Action Research" (Chapter 9). Coverage of how to visually display qualitative data in appendix. Provides basic usable tools for presenting and interpreting qualitative data. Explanation of the four-step action research process–Accompanied by various models and discussion of each step's impact on results. Guides, step-by-step, through conducting action research–identifying focus area, collecting data, analyzing/interpreting data, and action planning. Explanation of the “3 E's” of data collection–Experiencing, enquiring, and examining. Ensures teachers understand the crucial importance of thorough data collection to the success of any research. Case study of Curtis Elementary School –Presented in Appendix I–follows the text's action research process as it happens in an example school.

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good basic textbook on how to do qualitative teacher research.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great action research resource that has examples of action research led by teachers and serves as a practical guide for research in the classroom.

[Vinny Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of repetitive at times.

[Lisa J.olsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope I never have to read this book again, although the author is a wonderful person. I believe I will have nightmares about the action research process for years. Hopefully, it turns out as well as Mr. Mills says. He has a wonderful Australian accent when he tells you to quit procrastinating and just write.

I do recommend this book for anyone interested in the action research process and publishing their findings. It is in-depth and very informational. I am rating it as like it just because the actual process is so difficult.

[Alicia]

Reading for my Teacher Research in Literacy Class

[Noelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

UGH!

[Louise Droz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a textbook goes, this one was pretty good as far as readability. Did it make my school year-long task easier? No!!!!! This was a really hard class and the book really didn't help all that much!!

[Tena Edlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book helped me write my graduate research proposal, and I found it useful, but I doubt I'll ever refer to it again.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for class...that is the only reason I finished.

[Dana Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used for the action research class. The summaries and focus boxes were the most helpful.

[Mills College Library]

371.102 M6573a 2018