Success with your Early Years Research Project

‘Action research and Early Years practices go together, as naturally as the new day rising. This book is a celebration of new days. Early Years research is a practice for creative thinking for new tomorrows; the book shows us how to do this, and is to be commended for anyone who wishes to find innovative ways to think and act for all new beginnings.’ 
-Jean McNiff, Professor of Educational Research, York St John University

Where do you start with a research project? How do you choose a good question? What are tutors looking for in an outstanding project?

This book will help you answer all of the above and that is just the beginning. With examples of real research projects from students just like you, it takes you through each step of the process including:

• Choosing your question and approach
• Making sure your research is ethical
• Gathering and analysing data
• Reaching conclusions
• Putting your findings into practice.

After each example the authors provide commentary on what made each project so good, or what needed more work, helping you see what a good project really looks like.

Suitable for anyone tackling a research project as part of the Early Years course, at foundation or degree level, this book will help you make sure your project is interesting, relevant and impacts on your practice.

Rosie Walker is a senior lecturer within the Centre for Early Childhood, Institute of Education at the University of Worcester. She has supervised many research projects with Foundation Degree, BA and Top up students as well as Masters and is responsible for managing student practice based experience. Rosie has been involved in research projects with students and has presented her work at EECERA and BECERA as well as publishing within peer reviewed journals. Previously, she has managed two phase 1 children’s centres and is a Social Worker by professional heritage. Rosie has worked in a variety of childcare settings including child protection teams, NSPCC and has worked as a child protection trainer and Guardian ad Litem.

Rosie Walker and Carla Solvason will be discussing ideas from Success with your Early Years Research Project in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie. Find out more here.

Dr Carla Solvason is Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester within the Centre for Children and Families. She is the pathway lead for the Masters in Early Childhood and is a PhD supervisor. Along with her colleague, Rosie Walker, she co-authored, Success with your Early Years Research Project, also published by Sage, which has received very positive reviews and is now a key text.

Carla’s first role was as a primary school teacher. During that time she completed a Masters in Gender, Literature and Modernity and a PhD in Education, specifically looking at concepts of inclusion. Before starting work at Worcester, in 2009, she spent a year as a consultant for the children’s communication charity, I CAN and still delivers CPD in speech, language and communication support.

Rosie Walker and Carla Solvason will be discussing ideas from Success with your Early Years Research Project in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie. Find out more here.