Research for Educators

Research plays a powerful role in shaping effective teaching and learning experiences. By demystifying the research process, Research for Educators assists you to develop and use research skills in a range of educational contexts.

This introductory text steps you through the research process from identifying an initial question for research through to communicating the findings. It encourages you as an educator to become a discerning consumer of research, as well as an active participant, in order to make informed decisions about classroom practices.

Using examples from their own work in a range of educational fields, the authors explore the practices required to conduct quality research that is valid, reliable, ethical, useful and socially responsible. Throughout, they emphasise the link between reflective practice and being a researcher in the classroom.

This is a text that you will refer to throughout your studies and into your professional working life.

About the Authors

Steven Howard is an Associate Professor in Educational Psychology in the School of Education, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong. He is a PhD graduate from York University (Canada) and a leading researcher in educational and cognitive-developmental psychology.

Rachel Jones is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong. Her research primarily focuses on the health and wellbeing of young children. She has extensive experience working in large research teams on complex research projects involving a variety of data collection methods, including mixed methods and data analysis procedures.

Anthony McKnight is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong. Anthony’s research is about identifying how and why teachers, students and people connect to country to enhance educational practice.