Connecting Inquiry and Professional Learning in Education

"This is a most impressive proposal for what could be an impressive book, edited by two authors whose reputations are well established and whose work is well respected in the educational research community. The book has the feel of a handbook, providing wide coverage of a range of issues. My only reservation is that the coverage might be too wide. By the time I completed my reading of the chapter synopses I was beginning to feel an overload, but that may be because of the compressed nature of a text written as a proposal. The authors/editors would need to exercise caution in ensuring that the chapters are linked thematically, and to provide appropriate contextualisations and pedagogical devices to keep the reader oriented and focused.

Market in the UK:

I think there would be a significant take-up for the book in the UK, given, as the authors point out, that undergraduate and PGCE courses now require M level credits. One of the attractions of the book is that it covers and links issues of policy and practice, as well as theory and practice, so most people would find something to address the many problematics that are arising because of these reforms.

Market in the US:

This is more debatable, given US policies that largely enforce uniformity in pedagogy and curriculum. However, the book offers visions of hope to practitioners across the sectors that they can realise their capacity as educational activists, provided they equip themselves intellectually to engage with the challenges, and this book is a great resource for that service.

Market elsewhere:

There would be a significant market for the book in the contexts identified in the proposal, such as Australia and Central Europe. If the book realises its potentials to act as a pedagogical text, and not simply a book of case studies and issues, it will provide inspiration for teachers and professional educators everywhere to create partnerships and show the dynamic relationships between theory, practice and policy.

If the book is intended for the student market, how would you expect it to be used (e.g. indicate whether main text, recommended reading, library only). Please list courses:

It would be used on Initial Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development courses in teacher education, and also probably in related professions – health and social care, the social and public services. I see it being used selectively as a main text, and more likely as a supplementary reading text.

What would you consider to be a reasonable price for the book?

Given its volume it would probably be about £30, but may be more. This is one of the reasons for my previous comment about its use. I do not see students spending money on a hefty book as a main text, though a group may purchase it as a supplementary text.

Is the author a recognised authority in this field?

Yes, both are held in high esteem, as are the contributing authors. It’s a galaxy of stars!

Do you recommend that we should publish this book?

Yes, it would be an asset and would probably sell vigorously and, in some contexts, become a best seller. It would definitely become a favourite book on recommended reading lists and feature high in citation indexes.

Jean McNiff, author and educational consultant