Success with your Early Years Research Project
- Rosie Walker - University of Worcester, UK
- Carla Solvason - University of Worcester, UK
‘Action research and Early Years practices go together, as naturally as the new day rising. This book is a celebration of new days. Early Years research is a practice for creative thinking for new tomorrows; the book shows us how to do this, and is to be commended for anyone who wishes to find innovative ways to think and act for all new beginnings.’
-Jean McNiff, Professor of Educational Research, York St John University
Where do you start with a research project? How do you choose a good question? What are tutors looking for in an outstanding project?
This book will help you answer all of the above and that is just the beginning. With examples of real research projects from students just like you, it takes you through each step of the process including:
- Choosing your question and approach
- Making sure your research is ethical
- Gathering and analysing data
- Reaching conclusions
- Putting your findings into practice.
After each example the authors provide commentary on what made each project so good, or what needed more work, helping you see what a good project really looks like.
Suitable for anyone tackling a research project as part of the Early Years course, at foundation or degree level, this book will help you make sure your project is interesting, relevant and impacts on your practice.
I have put this as a key text for our 3rd year project - I felt that the use of examples really demystified the process of a research project. I stress to the students that they should use this as a support text, in other words that it is not a specialist methodology text - this was my only concern in adopting it, so I have been careful to make clear to students how they may choose to use this text.
This book is a welcome addition to the field of Early Years research.
The book has an accessible framework that engages readers to plan and implement research projects with relevant and appropriate contexts included. The case study examples and reviews are particularly helpful to develop students reflection and understanding of the ethical framework that underpins valid research activity in Early Childhood centres.
This book takes the mystery out of starting a first research project. It is so easy to follow and the examples from real students make it an encouraging and very readable text.
This is an excellent book for students that are undertaking a research project. I have recommended it to other lecturers on the course.
This is a useful additional, practical text. Useful for both tutors and students because it provides well-conceived examples that serve to demonstrate some essential elements and issues arising in the research process. The student reflections alongside tutor commentary produce a really useful, readable dialogue. It demonstrates the thinking behind the research process in action.
Book contains some clear tips and guidance. Size is ideal and language accessible- not too daunting for apprehensive students and not too weighty for busy tutors.