Short Guide to Action Research, A

by Johnson, Andrew P.

• ISBN13: 9780205360307
• ISBN10: 0205360300
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-01-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon

Table of Contents

Preface	xiii
SECTION I RATIONALE	1	(36)
Science, Research, and Teaching	3	(10)
Science	3	(2)
Research	5	(4)
Teaching	9	(1)
Summary	10	(3)
Introduction to Action Research	13	(8)
Research in Action	13	(3)
The Importance of Action Research	16	(2)
Summary	18	(3)
Using Action Research for Solving Problems	21	(6)
Finding the Problem	21	(1)
Finding Solutions	21	(2)
Testing the Solution	23	(1)
An Example of Action Research and Problem Solving	23	(3)
Summary	26	(1)
Strategies for Professional Growth: Preservice and Inservice Teachers	27	(10)
Preservice Teachers: A Tool for Seeing	27	(5)
Professional Development Schools	32	(2)
Action Research and the Professional Development of Teachers	34	(1)
Summary	35	(2)
SECTION II THE PROCESS	37	(56)
The Beginning	39	(6)
An Overview of the Action Research Process	39	(2)
Finding Your Research Topic	41	(2)
Summary	43	(2)
A Theoretical Context	45	(6)
Reviewing the Literature	45	(1)
Sources for the Literature Review	45	(2)
Sample Literature Reviews	47	(3)
Summary	50	(1)
Methods of Collecting Data	51	(20)
Data Collection	51	(1)
Types of Data Collection in Action Research	52	(18)
Summary	70	(1)
Methods of Analyzing Data	71	(12)
Accuracy and Credibility: This is What is	71	(1)
Validity, Reliability, and Triangulation	72	(1)
Inductive Analysis	73	(8)
Summary	81	(2)
Discussion: Your Plan of Action	83	(10)
Conclusions and Recommendations	83	(4)
Evaluation of the Study	87	(1)
Designing A New Plan or Program	88	(2)
Summary	90	(3)
SECTION III SAMPLES	93	(24)
Sample Action Research Projects	95	(22)
A Final Word	115	(2)
SECTION IV WRITING AND REPORTING ACTION RESEARCH	117	(46)
Presenting Your Action Research	119	(6)
Where to Share Your Action Research	119	(1)
The Educational Environment	119	(2)
The Professional Environment	121	(2)
Local Community Organizations	123	(1)
Summary	123	(2)
Writing an Action Research Report	125	(6)
Tone and Style	125	(2)
Length	127	(1)
Clarity	127	(1)
Headings	128	(2)
Summary	130	(1)
Action Research as Master's Thesis	131	(6)
Before You Start	131	(1)
The Action Research Thesis	132	(4)
The Last Word	136	(1)
The Literature Review	137	(8)
A Theoretical Context	137	(4)
A Sample Literature Review	141	(1)
The Reference Page	142	(1)
Summary	143	(2)
Findings: Reporting Qualitative Data	145	(10)
Presenting Qualitative Data	145	(2)
The Importance of Structure	147	(3)
Case Studies or Representative Samples	150	(3)
Appendices	153	(1)
Summary	153	(2)
Findings: Reporting Quantitative Data Using Tables, Figures, and Graphs	155	(8)
Quantifying Reality	155	(3)
Tables	158	(2)
Figures	160	(1)
Summary	160	(3)
Epilogue	163	(2)
Appendix A: Belief and Facts	165	(1)
Appendix B: Facts and Belief	166	(1)
Appendix C: Effective and Less Effective	167	(1)
Appendix D: Plan to Investigate	168	(1)
Appendix E: Creative Problem Solving	169	(1)
Appendix F: Means--End Analysis	170	(1)
Appendix G: Checklist for Small-Group Conferences	171	(1)
Appendix H: Product and Performance Assessment Form	172	(1)
Appendix I: Writing Assessment Form	173	(1)
Appendix J: Checklist for Independent Research Projects	174	(1)
References	175