Action Research for the Classroom: A Guide to Values-Based Research in Practice

What is action research? Why does it matter in education? This practical and accessible book provides answers to these questions, guiding readers through a meaningful and manageable approach to research in practice. Readers will benefit from guidance on easing the stress of research projects in teacher education courses, professional development initiatives and in school self-evaluation.

Supported by case studies from teachers’ and student teachers’ practice, chapters guide readers through key aspects of carrying out a research project, including:

• planning a research project
• collecting and using data
• presenting evidence
• generating theory
• writing up and disseminating your research
• a theoretical rationale to show why the research is conducted in this way

Written in an accessible manner by experienced classroom teachers and academic researchers, this is an essential read for those conducting research on their own practice as part of their professional learning. Action Research for the Classroom shows how teacher research is drawn from the reality of busy life in the classroom and that it can be undertaken in the most complex learning environments, creating positive change for teaching and learning.

Máirín Glenn, formerly an experienced school teacher and principal, currently works as an education consultant and a co-convenor of Network for Educational Action Research in Ireland (NEARI). Máirín is passionate about educational action research and its transformational power to enhance practice and promote social justice.

Bernie Sullivan is a committed and passionate action researcher with many years of experience as a teacher and as a school principal. Currently, she lectures on a Masters’ program in research in practice and is a tutor on a postgraduate school leadership course. She has co-authored several books on action research and is a co-convenor of NEARI.

Mary Roche, formerly a classroom teacher and experienced lecturer in teacher education at both primary and secondary levels, is currently an education consultant and a school adviser. She is a co-convenor of NEARI, author of Developing Children’s Critical Thinking through Picturebooks (Routledge, 2015) and co-author of several books on action research.

Caitriona McDonagh is a lecturer of Research in Practice and Research Methodologies. In addition to her writing and research into primary education, she is a co-convenor of NEARI. She holds extensive experience of implementing research in practice as a primary and special education teacher, researcher and teacher educator.