Description
Book SynopsisThis accessible guide will be an invaluable resource for early years practitioners looking to make a positive difference in their settings by using action research or teacher enquiry. Guiding readers through the practical steps, issues, and potentials of conducting research in a variety of early childhood settings, the book will increase practitionersâ confidence, enabling them to bridge the gap between recognising room for improvements and instigating necessary changes.
Divided into easy-to-follow sections, A Practical Guide to Action Research and Teacher Enquiry: Making a Difference in the Early Years offers clear definitions and explanations of action research along with explanations of how it can be applied in early years settings to effectively and efficiently improve outcomes for children. Chapters outline a clear rationale for engaging in action research, highlight purposes and potentials of various approaches, and provide a helpful step-by-step discussion of the
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements Foreword by Dr Guy Roberts-Holmes Introduction Part One: Action Research – Theory and Practice Introduction What is Action Research? How Did Action Research Develop? The development and application of action research in education Why engage in Action Research in the Early Years? What is in it for me? Professional Development Team development Children’s development Evidence-informed practice Making the difference: Planning your project with Impact Evolution Input- or output-based evaluation Ethical Considerations Summary Part Two: The Phases of Action Research Introduction Identifying a focus Ask a question Planning and Implementing a change Innovate Evaluating Impact How will you know you have been successful? Considering the future Summary Part Three: The Projects Introduction Project 1: Mindful Yoga in a Nursery School Project 2: Developing the outdoor area to support early numeracy Project 3: Storytelling Project 4: Continuing professional development policy Project 5: Personal, Social and Emotional Development at lunchtime Project 6: Talking Partners at Primary Project 7: Parental Engagement Project 8: Early writing Project 9: Promoting a love of reading Project 10: 0–2-year-old room Conclusion References Appendices Appendix I Identifying a focus Appendix II Collating evidence Appendix III Planning for impact Appendix IV Planning for impact Appendix V Evaluating impact Appendix VI: Considering the future
