Action research for improving practice - Valsa Koshy

'A comprehensive guide to action research; it will be the equivalent of having an experienced tutor available twenty four hours a day to provide
valuable advice and reassurance to the researcher, at all stages of the project' -
Carole Portman-Smith, Advanced Skills Teacher for the London borough of Richmond Upon Thames

`Thank you! Finally, there is a book about research that can be read in bed which does not put the reader to sleep. I am a Higher Education academic working with UK Teachers and Teaching Assistants interested in getting their Qualified Teachers Status (QTS). This book seems like it was written for me personally.

The narrative is well structured and clearly written with supporting case studies addressing Action Research from a Teacher's perspective. This is a fine introductory text touching the topics; What is action research?, Getting started, Reviewing literature, Planning action, Analysing data, and Writing up and reporting your action research. Additionally there is a glossary of terms and some useful websites are offered, though I would have liked to see the Internet related elements of the book further developed' - ESCalate

Which topics are ripe for Action Research? How do you go about planning a project? Need guidance with collecting and analysing your data? Do you need help with writing your report?

Whether you are a busy teacher doing further study or a time-pressed trainee teacher writing your dissertation, this concise guide takes you through the stages in carrying out action research.

The step-by-step advice shows you how to:

-choose your topic;

-plan your action;

-gather, review and analyse your data;

-write your report or dissertation.

Based on her extensive experience of supervising researchers at all levels and using examples of action research carried out by other practitioners, across a range of topics and age-groups, the author will guide you on how to carry out action research and help you to stay on the right track from start to finish. There is clear advice on how to set up small-scale research projects in schools for improving practice.

Those new to action research and those wanting a straightforward explanation of the methods involved will find this book invaluable.

Valsa Koshy is Professor of Education and Director of Continuing Professional Development at Brunel University.