Researching Teaching

It is impossible not to ask ourselves how to cope with the role and impact of scientific research in teaching and learning. The researching, teaching and learning triangle explores a growing trend among top universities across the world to focus attention on the quality of post-graduate education and the success of the educators, using pioneering examples, ranging from classroom-level initiatives to university-wide projects. This book will be of interest to all scientists, from the budding beginner to the seasoned supervisor.

The essays in this volume examine teachers, teaching practice, knowledge and skill, and a range of methodologies are explained. The professional skills and knowledge that teachers need is explored.

Praise for How Learning Works "How Learning Works is the perfect title for this excellent book. Drawing upon new research in psychology, education, and cognitive science, the authors have demystified a complex topic into clear explanations of seven powerful learning principles. Full of great ideas and practical suggestions, all based on solid research evidence, this book is essential reading for instructors at all levels who wish to improve their students' learning." —Barbara Gross Davis, assistant vice chancellor for educational development, University of California, Berkeley, and author, Tools for Teaching "This book is a must-read for every instructor, new or experienced. Although I have been teaching for almost thirty years, as I read this book I found myself resonating with many of its ideas, and I discovered new ways of thinking about teaching." —Eugenia T. Paulus, professor of chemistry, North Hennepin Community College, and 2008 U.S. Community Colleges Professor of the Year from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education "Thank you Carnegie Mellon for making accessible what has previously been inaccessible to those of us who are not learning scientists. Your focus on the essence of learning combined with concrete examples of the daily challenges of teaching and clear tactical strategies for faculty to consider is a welcome work. I will recommend this book to all my colleagues." —Catherine M. Casserly, senior partner, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching "As you read about each of the seven basic learning principles in this book, you will find advice that is grounded in learning theory, based on research evidence, relevant to college teaching, and easy to understand. The authors have extensive knowledge and experience in applying the science of learning to college teaching, and they graciously share it with you in this organized and readable book." —From the Foreword by Richard E. Mayer, professor of psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; coauthor, e-Learning and the Science of Instruction; and author, Multimedia Learning

This book provides insight into the value and process of reflexive inquiry for facilitating and exploring teacher learning and development, broadly defined. The authors' reflexive inquiry framework is constructed around notions of personal empowerment, self-directed learning, the primacy of practice, and personal history. The book contains numerous stories of teacher-researchers exploring their own experiences within the context of professional development inquiry.

This book provides the reader with an introduction to the world of educational research. A two-pronged approach is adopted: to help the reader understand the concepts and terminology widely used in educational research and a range of methodological issues; and to provide the reader with guidance on initiating and implementing research studies. In this highly accessible book, the authors consider the perspectives, concepts and techniques in common usage in the field of research, and the variety of approaches that may be taken in researching different subjects. A glossary is also provided covering the relevant terms and concepts referred to and used in current educational research.

Researching Teaching is a book for teachers and other educators who are interested in exploring their own practice through independent and/or collaborative inquiry. Cole and Knowles believe that teacher learning and professional development are facilitated by opportunities for ongoing critical reflection on and inquiry into the broad spectrum of experiences that influence professional lives and careers. They place emphasis on the importance of engaging in ongoing exploration of practice, with attention to the multiple roles and contexts that comprise it. The authors offer a framework for reflexive inquiry into teaching that is grounded in principles of experiential learning and self-directed professional development and in the belief that the perspectives and experiences of teacher-researchers offer important insights into researching and practicing professional development.

The importance of educational research for professional development and classroom practice is becoming increasingly significant. This collection looks at both enacting teacher research and the methodologies involved within it.

“This informative book helped me to understand research in general and to bring focus and clarity to my current research project. The text answers questions and provides guidance and support in a manner that is user-friendly and easy to comprehend…. After reading this book, I feel empowered as a teacher-researcher and would unhesitatingly recommend it to other teacher-researchers, graduate students and educators.”Francesca Crowther – teacher and doctoral student, Nova Scotia, Canada. This book provides a comprehensive and detailed approach to teacher research as systematic, methodical and informed practice. It identifies five requirements for all kinds of research, and provides clear and accessible guidelines for teachers to use in conducting their own classroom-based studies. Features: A clear definition of teacher research which insists on more than ‘stories’ and anecdotal ‘retrospectives’ Innovative organisational structure based on the collection and analysis of spoken, written and observed data, with strong emphasis on the design of research projects Easy-to-use and widely applicable tools and techniques for collecting and analysing data in qualitative research Informed by the authors’ own wide-ranging experiences, A Handbook of Teacher Research provides everything the teacher researcher needs in order to conduct good quality practitioner research. It is ideal for upper level undergraduate Education programmes and for postgraduate research, as well as for teacher researchers who conceive and drive their own independent studies.