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Making Sense of Research
What's Good, What's Not, and How To Tell the Difference
- Elaine K. McEwan - The McEwan-Adkins Group
- Patrick J. McEwan - Wellesley College, USA
Foreword by Henry M. Levin
Other Titles in:
Continuing Professional Development | Decision Making Tools | Teaching Methods & Learning Styles
Continuing Professional Development | Decision Making Tools | Teaching Methods & Learning Styles
May 2003 | 200 pages | Corwin
In this book, the authors bring the best of two worlds to the writing of this book - the "real" world where education is practiced daily and the "research" world where the "disciplined search for knowledge" (Smith & Glass, 1987, p.6) is ongoing. This book is for those who make decisions - from the seemingly smallest teacher-made decision regarding time allocation during reading instruction to major national policy decisions such as reducing class size. When carefully read and thoughtfully considered, quality research can inform, enlighten, and provide direction to practitioners that will save time and money, but more importantly enhance the effectiveness of schools and increase the opportunities for student. Making sense of research is also about doing your own site-specific, user-driven research as a way of sustaining school improvement, keeping vision alive, and attaining your mission.
Henry M. Levin
Foreword
Preface
About the Authors
1. Asking the Right Questions
2. Behind the Scenes in the World of Education Research
3. The Causal Questions: Does It Work? (Part I)
4 The Causal Question: Does It Work? (Part II)
5. The Process Question: How Does It Work?
6. The Cost Question: Is It Worthwhile?
7. The Usability Question: Will It Work for Me?
8. The Evaluation Question: Is It Working for Me?
Resource: Bibliographies for Case Studies
References
Index
Each chapter launches with a discussion of the different forms of inquiry that can be used to answer [a] question at hand, and in plain language how each type (design or paradigm) works. Part of that process involves frank assessment of the strengths and limitations of each format--and thus the credibility of the evidence produced.
Succinct, yet pertinent information on the mechanics and applicability of research that will lend to students understanding as they navigate the dissertation process.
Ed Administration Policy Dept, Univ Of Southern California
May 16, 2016
The book is concisely written and offers a pragmatic approach to research.
School Of Education, California Baptist University
October 27, 2010