Sustaining Action Research: A Practical Guide for Institutional Engagement

This book provides a practical guide for English language teachers and teacher educators to carry out and promote teacher action research within their institutional context. It offers structured methodologies, hands-on activities, and suggestions for implementing action research effectively.

Format: Hardback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book serves as a valuable resource for English language teachers and teacher educators who are eager to engage in and advocate for teacher action research within their institutional settings. Drawing upon contemporary theory and a reflexive and social approach to teacher professional development and learning, it provides readers with structured methodologies and concepts, extensive hands-on activity sets, and insightful recommendations for effectively implementing action research across an entire institution. Renowned experts Anne Burns, Emily Edwards, and Neville John Ellis conclude the book by offering valuable insights into conducting teacher research through reflective practice, exploratory practice, and action research.

Introduction:
This book aims to empower English language teachers and teacher educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct and promote teacher action research within their educational contexts. By adopting a contemporary theoretical framework and a reflexive and social approach to teacher professional development and learning, it seeks to provide readers with a comprehensive guide that encompasses structured methodologies, practical concepts, and practical suggestions for effectively implementing action research across an institution.

Contemporary Theory and Reflexive Approach:
The book is grounded in contemporary theory and adopts a reflexive and social approach to teacher professional development and learning. It recognizes the importance of teachers as active participants in their own learning and growth, and emphasizes the significance of collaboration, reflection, and social interaction in the process of professional development. The book encourages teachers to engage in self-reflection, critical analysis, and the exploration of their own practices to enhance their teaching effectiveness and improve student outcomes.

Structured Methodologies and Concepts:
The book offers readers a range of structured methodologies and concepts that can be applied to teacher action research. It provides step-by-step guidance on how to plan, conduct, and analyze action research projects, including the selection of research questions, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and the presentation and dissemination of findings. The book also discusses the ethical considerations and challenges associated with conducting action research, ensuring that researchers adhere to ethical standards and maintain the integrity of their work.

Wide-Ranging Hands-On Activity Sets:
To facilitate practical application of the theoretical concepts and methodologies discussed in the book, it includes a wide range of hands-on activity sets. These activity sets provide readers with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios, allowing them to develop their action research projects and gain hands-on experience in conducting research. The activity sets cover various aspects of teacher action research, including classroom observations, interviews, surveys, and case studies, and are designed to cater to different levels of experience and expertise.

Focused Suggestions for Appropriate and Sustainable Ways to Implement Action Research:
In addition to providing structured methodologies and concepts, the book offers focused suggestions for appropriate and sustainable ways to implement action research across an institution. It emphasizes the importance of building a culture of inquiry and collaboration within an institution, where teachers are encouraged to share their ideas, experiences, and research findings with their colleagues. The book also discusses the role of leadership and institutional support in promoting and sustaining action research, highlighting the need for policies, resources, and incentives that encourage and facilitate teacher research.

Conclusion:
This book is a valuable resource for English language teachers and teacher educators who are committed to carrying out and promoting teacher action research within their institutional contexts. By adopting a contemporary theoretical framework and a reflexive and social approach to teacher professional development and learning, it provides readers with structured methodologies, practical concepts, and insightful recommendations for effectively implementing action research across an institution. The wide-ranging hands-on activity sets and focused suggestions for appropriate and sustainable ways to implement action research make this book an essential tool for anyone seeking to enhance their teaching practices and contribute to the ongoing improvement of education.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367210632