Five educational researchers, coming from a variety of higher education institutions, academic disciplines, and cultural backgrounds, met together over a three-year period to discuss the present and future of doctoral education and training in the field of education. Their hope was that the product of their discussions would enable educators and policy makers around the world to rethink, restructure, and even design new programs to prepare the rising generation of educational researchers in their countries. These differences in academic, national, and institutional perspectives led to a variety of ways, even conflicting ones, in which the quality of doctoral education and training could be improved. Based on our discussion, we came to the conclusion that there are no universal solutions to the problems involved in setting up and operating a quality doctoral program. Rather, educators would be wise to be aware of the alternatives at their disposal and make informed choices based on an understanding of the larger societal and political contexts in their states, regions, or nations. To facilitate this decision-making process, we have chosen to conclude with a set of key questions that should be addressed by those seeking to examine and improve their doctoral programs in education and briefly describe some of the alternative ways of answering these questions. Instead of passively absorbing a unified position, then, the reader is invited to join the dialogue that has taken place (and is still taking place) between and among the authors. To exemplify such a dialogue, each chapter is followed by one or two commentaries written by members of the group. We would encourage the reader to write commentaries on the individual chapters (and perhaps the commentaries), thereby engaging in a dialogue with the authors on a fairly personal level.

Many have attacked education research as failing to meet standards of scientific rigor. The thoughtful essays in this book offer an analysis of this debate on the failings of education research.

Essentials of Research Methods for Educators is a comprehensive resource designed for future educational professionals. It provides an in-depth overview of data literacy and research methods, using concrete examples for better understanding. The book covers qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, and offers a highly scaffolded approach, making research projects manageable.