Description
Book SynopsisKey components of practitioner inquiry provide an effective approach to lasting educational change. By including narratives of practice from across diverse early childhood settings, this book investigates issues that arise during implementation of inquiry-focussed professional learning cycles. It presents practitioner inquiry as a vehicle for empowering educators and educational systems.
Research-based, this book brings together theory and practice from authors and internationally recognised commentators to inform and inspire early childhood educators. Chapters are thematically grouped in three focus areas. The first centres on background contextual information to set the scene, the second offers real-life stories based on authorsâ experiences and the third provides insight into broader issues of leadership and professional learning. Voices of educators, teachers and leaders are included to provide multiple points of entry for readers with different interests, backgrounds, and
Trade Review
‘The key to educational improvement in early childhood lies in inquiring and puzzling, hypothesising and evaluating. These experienced authors have delivered a book enhancing the inner strengths and wisdom of practitioners to inspire and lead change in their unique contexts.’
Dr Sandra Cheeseman, CEO, Créche & Kindergarten Association, Queensland, Australia.
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Inviting engagement Section 1: Setting the Scene 1. Practitioner inquiry: Processes, potentials and purposes 2. What is a useful question? 3. Evidence for change: Finding and analysing data 4. Practitioner inquiry as a tool for meeting and moving beyond regulatory requirements for teachers Section 2: Sharing Stories of Experience 5. Unpacking complexity in complex environments 6. Stories from the classroom: School-based change through an inquiry-based approach 7. ‘Forming’ ourselves as teacher~researchers 8. What matters: Participant voices in a year of sustained professional learning Section 3: Exploring big ideas 9. Unexpected opportunities: Inquiry as professional learning 10. Intersections of pedagogical documentation and practitioner inquiry 11. Effecting positive change: The role of educational leaders 12. Practitioner research as sustainable professional practice 13. Conclusion: Thinking together
