Self-Study Teacher Research : Improving Your Practice Through Collaborative Inquiry

by Anastasia P. Samaras

• ISBN13: 9781412972079
• ISBN10: 1412972078
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-04-22
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

The first textbook to offer novice and experienced teachers guidelines for the 'œhow' and 'œwhy' of self-study teacher research Designed to help pre- and in-service teachers plan, implement, and assess a manageable self-study research project, this unique textbook covers the foundation, history, theoretical underpinnings, and methods of self-study research. Author Anastasia Samaras encourages readers to think deeply about both the 'œhow' and the 'œwhy' of this essential professional development tool as they pose questions and formulate personal theories to improve professional practice. Written in a reader-friendly style and filled with interactive activities and examples, the book helps teachers every step of the way as they learn and refine research skills; conduct a literature review; design a research study; work in validation groups; collect and analyze data; interpret findings; develop skills in peer critique and review; and write, present, and publish their studies. Key Features A Self-Study Project Planner assists teachers in understanding both the details and process of conducting self-study research. A Critical Friends Portfolio includes innovative critical collaborative inquiries to support the completion of a high quality final research project. Advice from the most senior self-study academics working in the U.S. and internationally is included, along with descriptions of the self-study methodology that has been refined over time. Examples demonstrate the connections between self-study research, teachers' professional growth, and their students' learning. Tables, charts, and visuals help readers see the big picture and stay organized.

Table of Contents

Preface

The 6Ws of Self-Study Research

Understanding Self-Study: What and Why

What is Self-Study Teacher Research?

What Self-Study Teacher Research is Not

Why Conduct Self-Study Teacher Research?

Key Ideas

Overview of the Self-Study Process: What and How

Self-Study Research Project Planner

Self-Study Research Project Timeline

Self-Study Teacher Research Exemplar Brief

The Self-Study Community: When and Where and Who

Culture of the Self-Study Community

Paradigm Shift

Influence, Confluence, and Divergence

Important Events in Outgrowth of Self-Study School

Critique and Sustainability

Key Ideas

The Self-Study Research Methodology: Why and How

Characteristics of Self-Study Research

Five Foci Framework: Methodological Components of Self-Study Research

Key Ideas

Self-Study Methods: How

Choosing a Self-Study Method

Challenges in Choosing a Method

Key Ideas

Your Self-Study Project

Design

Design Matters

Seven Key Design Components

Key Ideas

Protect

Questioning the Ethics of Your Study

School Division Review

The Role of Professional Organizations

Standards of Research Ethics

Institutional Review Boards

Key Ideas

Organize Data

Alignment of Data with Question

Document

Categorize

Overlapping Research Phases

Key Ideas

Collect Data

Data Gathering Techniques

Alternative Data Gathering Techniques

Quantifiable Data

Key Ideas

Analyze Data

Research as a Recursive Act

Coding

Coding Families

Categories and Connections

Grounded Theory and the Constant Comparative Method

Concept Maps

Computer Software Tools

Key Ideas

Assess Research Quality

Multiple Sources of Data

Transparency, validation, exemplars, and trustworthiness

Reliability

Generalizability

Key Ideas

Write

Some Friendly Writing Advice

Writing Your Research Report

Writing Your Abstract

Welcoming Peer Critique

Key Ideas

Present and Publish

The Importance of Presenting Your Research

Challenge the Status Quo of Presentations

Pointers for Presenting

Writing Your Self-Study Proposal

Advice for Presenting

The Proposal Review Process

Advice for Getting Published

Key Ideas

Closing Remarks

Sample of a Self-Study Teacher Research Exemplar Brief

Self-Study is Not Just for Classroom Teachers

Glossary

References

Index

About the Author

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