‘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.

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.

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.

Research projects are carried out in schools and non-school settings by virtually all final-year undergraduates in the areas of teacher training, Education Studies and other educational contexts, and often in earlier years too. This text, part of the Study Skills in Education series, is written for this specific target audience, and makes clear references to these courses and contexts throughout. Hot topics such as using the net and plagiarism are covered with up-to-date information, while key content on literature searches, critical thinking and the development of argument provide clear guidance and ensure academic rigour.

This best-selling guide to undertaking your Early Years research project takes you on a practical step-by-step journey. Breaking down each section into accessible and digestible topics, and accompanied by a multitude of practical examples, case studies, research summaries and key points, the author brings this process to life. The updated and revised edition includes: All chapters have been updated with new content on working in an online environment Completely revised Chapter 10, packed with new content New activities and case studies throughout From learning how to structure and organise your project, through to the final presentation and written report of your findings, this is the essential guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students throughout their early childhood or early years courses.

A practical, step-by-step guide to planning, researching and writing a research project for undergraduate students approaching a research project for the first time. Undertaking a large-scale, original research project can be extremely daunting and challenging to any student. Using the tried-and-tested Smarter Student series approach, style and pedagogy to deliver timely, practical, hands-on guidance based on real-life experience from students and lecturers alike, this book will be an invaluable tutorial and reference for any student approaching an undergraduate or masters research project for the first time. This book will guide the student through all of the key areas that they will need to deliver a successful research project, providing practical guidance, examples and hints and tips for success on areas such as: Choosing a theme and topic for your research Writing the proposal Working with your supervisor Planning and managing your time and activity Analysing and evaluating data Successful academic writing styles and conventions Correct citing, referencing and avoiding plagiarism Ethics in research Researching and compiling the literature survey Methods of collecting and analysing data Writing-up and presenting your findings An essential guide to academic success!

In this stimulating and provocative book the editors have drawn together a diverse and international range of respected authors, each of whom has taken a critical approach to the contentious question of how you define and achieve quality early childhood services. It is a book designed to provoke and promote critical dialogue and discourse amongst practitioners and students through critical engagement with the position of the authors within the text. I believe anyone who reads this book will be inspired and motivated to challenge and extend their thinking and professional practice, adopting the critical stance which lies at the heart of quality services for children and families. Professor Chris Pascal, Director of Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC) Early childhood is a complex and important area of study where it is important to develop your critical thinking and reflect upon key issues. This book will help do both. It explores interrelated topics such as: Child development Play Safeguarding Professionalism Curriculum and Policy Each chapter will not only engage with what you need to know but help you develop your academic skills. The book also comes with lots of online resources and include: Podcasts from the authors of each chapter so you can better understand the key concepts PowerPoints to help you revise the essential information Journal articles related to each chapter provide further reading Michael Reed and Rosie Walker are both Senior Lecturers in Early Childhood at the Institute of Education, University of Worcester.