Research Methods in Educational Leadership and Management

This book is the essential guide to research in educational leadership and management. It brings together expert original contributions to present a comprehensive and accessible guide for new and experienced researchers in the field.

The book deals with:

- the concept of research and its philosophical bases

- fundamental issues like ethics, validity and reliability

- exploring existing literature to inform research

- the nature of survey, case study and action research

- research tools: interviews, questionnaires; documentary research and diaries; observation

- analysis and presentation of quantitative and qualitative research data

- writing up and disseminating research

This book is a core text for master′s level courses in educational management. It is accessible for the beginning researcher, while at the same time providing stimulating reading for students and practitioners with some research experience.

Marianne Coleman is Reader Emerita in Educational Leadership at University College London, Institute of Education. Before a career in higher education at the University of Leicester and the Institute of Education she was a secondary school teacher and an advisory teacher in an LEA. Now retired, she continues to research and write focusing on her interest in gender and leadership and wider issues of diversity and social justice. She has recently co-authored a book on ageing and is a trustee of the Nurture Group Network, an educational charity which supports children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Dr. Ann Briggs is Emeritus Professor of Educational Leadership at Newcastle University, UK.  She has published on research methods, middle leadership, 14-19 education and management structures in post-compulsory institutions.  Ann is a past Chair of BELMAS and is currently National Secretary of NZEALS, having retired to New Zealand in 2009.