Using varied illustrations and case studies of contemporary projects in diverse early childhood contexts, the book addresses specific issues and challenges that you might face when conducting action research in such settings.

Undertaking a research project can be a daunting task for early years students. This step-by-step guide clearly shows you how to organize and structure your project, write a literature review, interpret findings, and successfully present your research. Bringing the whole process to life through practical examples and real case studies, the book is packed with summaries, key points, checklists, and discussion topics, encouraging you to engage with and reflect on your own work. The Third Edition is fully updated to include: New chapters on writing your literature review and structuring your final project Increased coverage of e-research data collection methods New real-life student examples and case studies from the UK and internationally Additional online 'top tips' videos from the author. This is an essential companion for students on undergraduate and postgraduate early childhood courses, teacher education, nursing, and social sciences. It is also useful for early years practitioners required to carry out small-scale research. Dr. Guy Roberts-Holmes is Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, University of London. ? Guy Roberts-Holmes will be discussing key ideas from Doing Your Early Years Research Project: A Step by Step Guide in the SAGE Early Years Masterclass, a free professional development experience hosted by Kathy Brodie. To sign up, or for more information, click here.

This 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 practitioners’ 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 different stages of enquiry. Ten examples of practice are used to clearly illustrate the action research cycle in a variety of settings, and in relation to a range of topics and ages, thereby providing readers with a wealth of tried-and-tested ideas for application in their own settings and projects. These are supported by a range of downloadable resources which can be used as tools to support the planning, reflecting, and evaluation of practitioners’ research activities. Informative, inspiring, and highly relevant to practice, A Practical Guide to Action Research and Teacher Enquiry will support and scaffold the research activities of early years practitioners, managers, and students.

Which topics are right for Action Research in an education context? How do you go about planning a project, collecting and analysing your data? What′s the best way to present your research findings to parents, colleagues or funding bodies? Whether you are a busy teacher doing research in your classroom, an undergraduate starting your research project, or a Masters level or education doctorate student writing up your dissertation, this step-by-step guide takes you through every stage involved in carrying out Action Research. In this brand new edition, you will find additional guidance on: - philosophical underpinnings of Action Research - the challenges of being an insider researcher - searching and analysing literature from the internet - children′s participation and children′s rights in action research projects in educational settings - validity and authenticity in action research - a new chapter on writing for publication - an action research planning sheet. This book draws on Valsa Koshy′s extensive experience of supervising researchers at all levels, and includes examples of Action Research carried out by practitioners across a range of topics and age groups. Case studies include UK and international examples, allowing you to reflect on multiple perspectives of Action Research in education. Those new to Action Research, and those looking for a straightforward explanation of the methods involved, will find this book invaluable. Valsa Koshy is Professor of Education and Director of a Research and Development Centre at Brunel University.

This new edition of a much-loved book guides you through your Early Years research project from start to finish and draws on the work of Early Years practitioners to illustrate concepts and methods, bringing the entire process to life. Packed with research summaries, key points, checklists and discussion topics, the author shows you how to organise and structure your project, write a literature review, interpret findings and present/write up your project. This edition has been fully updated and revised to include up-to-date references, a focus on 'Reflective Practice', and coverage of Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as: - Coverage of Action Research, including examples - Increased material on using, presenting and analysing data, including using software - More reflective and detailed study aid including case studies, surveys, questions and activities This book is essential reading for students on early childhood studies courses, those working towards Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), teacher education, nursing, and social sciences. It is also useful for early years practitioners required to carry out small-scale research.

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This accessible book provides a step-by-step guide to carrying out educational research within the context of early years practice. Written by an expert team of authors who have supported many students through their dissertations, it will help you learn the skills necessary to develop ownership and understanding of the research process and successfully complete your dissertation or research project, while maintaining a work–life balance. The chapters cover all elements of the research process, from advice on choosing a topic and working with your supervisor, to the different research methods you may employ. Ethical considerations and advice on collecting and analysing data and presenting your findings are presented alongside exploratory tasks, proformas and reflective questions, making it a useful companion for dissertation or research project modules. Crucially, the book understands that some undergraduate students may have additional responsibilities and introduces ways to manage workloads alongside caring or work responsibilities. Aimed at those studying on Early Years Foundation Degrees or Early Childhood Studies courses, this is essential reading for all early years undergraduate students embarking on their first research project.