Teachers Investigate Their Work: An Introduction to Action Research across the Professions

Now in its third edition, Teachers Investigate Their Work introduces both the theoretical concepts and the practical methods necessary for readers wishing to develop their action research.

Drawing from studies carried out by teachers and other professionals, as well as from the authors’ own international practical experience, the book provides detail on multiple educational contexts from primary education to university training and beyond. It contains over 50 practical methods and strategies to put into action, and explores key areas, such as:

• the purpose, roots, and varieties of action research
• collaborating with a critical friend, research participants, or your peers
• choosing a data collection method
• observing and documenting situations
• making sense of your data
• action research for professional development.

This key text also provides crucial tools, such as:

• a simple ‘quick start’ nine step guide
• a toolbox for producing written reports
• a criteria for guiding the quality of action research.

A concise yet thorough introduction to action research, Teachers Investigate Their Work is an essential, practical, and easily accessible handbook for teachers, senior staff, and researchers who want to engage in innovation and improve their practice.

Allan Feldman is Professor of Science Education and Teacher Education in the Teaching and Learning Department of the College of Education, University of South Florida, USA.

Herbert Altrichter is Full Professor of Education and Educational Psychology and Director of the Linz School of Education at Johannes Kepler University, Austria.

Peter Posch was Professor of Education at the Institute of Education, University of Klagenfurt, Austria, until his retirement.

Bridget Somekh was Professor of Educational Research at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, and is now Adjunct Professor at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.