Action Research for Educators

This user-friendly book covers the principles and history of action research, ethical and legal considerations, how to conduct both formal and informal action research, data collection methods, data analysis and interpretation, planning and initiating action, and evaluating the results of action. Illustrations are included in each chapter.

Daniel R. Tomal is an associate professor and acting chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at Concordia University teaching educational leadership and research.

Preface

vii

Acknowledgments

xiii

The Nature of Educational Research

1

(6)

Principles of Research

1

(2)

Quantitative Versus Qualitative Research

3

(2)

Action Research Principles

5

(2)

Action Research

7

(18)

History of Action Research

7

(3)

Action Research Model

10

(5)

Statement of the Problem (Initial Diagnosis)

15

(2)

Developing an Action Research Proposal

17

(3)

Benchmarking

20

(2)

Ethical and Legal Considerations

22

(3)

Data Collection Methods

25

(56)

The Nature of Data Collection

25

(2)

Observing

27

(7)

Interviewing

34

(16)

Surveying

50

(20)

Assessing

70

(5)

Processing

75

(6)

Data Analysis and Interpretation

81

(20)

Threats to Validity

81

(5)

Using Descriptive Statistics

86

(8)

Using Graphs and Diagrams

94

(3)

Writing Narrative Reports

97

(4)

Solving Problems and Taking Action

101

(12)

Barriers to Problem Solving

101

(2)

Steps in Solving Problems

103

(2)

Managing Change

105

(3)

Planning and Initiating Action

108

(5)

Evaluating Action Research

113

(4)

Areas for Evaluation

113

(2)

Methods for Evaluating Results

115

(2)

Conducting Action Research

117

(12)

Sample Research Study

117

(2)

Collaborative Process Intervention: An Action Research Study

119

(10)

Appendix A Ethical Standards of the American Educational Research Association

129

(4)

Appendix B Seventy-Five Ideas for Conducting Action Research

133

(4)

Bibliography

137

(2)

Index

139

(4)

About the Author

143

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

FREE SHIPPING

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Action Research for Educators

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials