Open University Press A Handbook for Teacher Research

This book provides a comprehensive approach to teacher research as systematic, methodical and informed practice. It identifies five generic features that must be present in all kinds of research and provides clear and accessible guidelines for teachers to meet these in studies designed to enhance their vocation as educators. The authors' approach makes the book appropriate for self-directed teacher research, as well as teacher research done in collaboration with professional researchers or as part of academic programs. *A clear definition of teacher research which insists on more than 'stories' and 'retrospectives' *A strong emphasis on design of research projects *An innovative organisational structure based on collection and analysis of spoken, written and observed data *A strong and widely applicable selection of easily used tools and techniques for collecting and analysing data in qualitative research *Acknowledges the relevance of quantitative and document-based as well as qualitative forms of inquiry in teacher research *Accessible and informative discussions of key issues in teacher research like interpretation, ethics, and validity. This book is intended to provide everything the teacher researcher needs as a guide to conducting good quality practitioner research. It is written in a clear and accessible manner, while engaging with key issues integral to all kinds of research. The book is informed by the authors' own wide-ranging research experiences. It will be suitable for use in upper levels of undergraduate Education programs, as well as in postgraduate research. At the same time it is designed for use by self-directed teacher researchers who conceive and drive their own independent studies.