Doing Your Early Years Research Project

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.

This bestselling guide to undertaking your Early Years research project takes the reader 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 fourth edition includes: Useful additional resources at the end of each chapter Extended material on the child’s voice within research Signposted glossary terms throughout the text Updated website materials for further study 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 and companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students throughout their early childhood and social science courses. Guy Roberts-Holmes will be discussing key ideas in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie.

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.

This bestseller provides an introduction to the project approach with step-by-step guidance for conducting meaningful investigations. The Third Edition has been expanded to include two new chaptersHow Projects Can Connect Children with Nature and Project Investigations as STEMand to assist teachers with younger children (toddlers) and older children (2nd grade).

‘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.

‘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.

′Mike Lambert′s book is a useful source of information, helping to create and shape your research methods project. The book contains detailed chapters with easy to follow guidelines, tips and suggestions ensuring help at every step of the way from start to finish′ Alexander Miesen, student, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences In this basic guide, step-by-step advice is presented in a clear way and chapters take the reader through the entire process, from planning and doing research, to writing it up. Each stage is covered, with detailed help on choosing a topic, drawing up research questions, doing the literature review, choosing and designing research methods, the ethics of doing research, analyzing data, and collating and presenting findings. Features in the text include: - explanations of key research terms - activities (with answers) - progress sheets - case studies This is an ideal text for undergraduate students undertaking their first ever research project, postgraduates pursuing Masters awards and teachers carrying out action research.

Are you worried about doing your early years action research project? Does the thought of choosing the right research question feel daunting? Are you concerned about the challenges you might face? If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, then this is the book for you! Written in a lively and accessible style, this is the essential step-by-step guide to conducting your own action research project. The book introduces and evaluates different approaches to action research and explores how they can be applied in early childhood settings to create positive change and to improve practice. 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. Each chapter offers gentle guidance and support at a specific stage of the research process, from choosing your initial topic to formulating your research question, through to sharing the lessons of your project. The book's key features include: 16 'Steps' that walk you through the process of conducting your action research project References to real life research projects to illustrate key ideas, themes, practices and debates Advice on creating an action research journal, with sample extracts 'Thinking Boxes' in each chapter to encourage you to review and reflect on the chapter's contents as you plan your research project Checklists in each chapter of key concepts, processes and themes, together with further resources The authors explore some difficult issues associated with action research, including ethics, rigour, validity, critical reflection, and social and professional change. They show that there is more than one 'right' way to perform an action research project and advise you how to choose an approach that is appropriate for your particular interests and circumstances. Doing Action Research in Early Childhood Studies is an essential resource for students and practitioners of early childhood studies.