Inquiring in the Classroom

I think the authors are to be congratulated for producing an introductory textbook on classroom-based inquiry which is highly readable and accessible to a wide audience. Each chapter offers supportive ideas and suggestions as to how teachers can undertake practice-based inquiry with the aim of improving even further their role as educators. The authors state their purpose is "to empower teachers at all levels to make themselves better teachers and ultimately provide a better education for children and young people". This excellent book goes a very considerable way to achieving this aim and I would recommend this without hesitation to all those who are serious about classroom-based inquiry. -- Andrew Pearce, Associate Principal Lecturer in CPD, Leeds Trinity University College, UK
The authors' approach is predicated on the view of teachers continuing to learn and develop throughout their careers. By integrating evidence drawn from research and experience they enable teachers to ask critical questions of their practice and offer strategies that will produce answers to those questions. This book is to be commended for supporting teachers at all stages in their careers to develop exemplary practice. -- Brian Marsh, Senior Lecturer in Science Education, University of Brighton, UK
[S]ets out its stall admirably, firmly stating belief in the benefits of teacher inquiry to improve pedagogy and practice in the classroom...Split into three parts and ten chapters, the layout is clear and concise, and the book is easy to read. The chapters are set out well, with outlines provided at the start for ease of reference, boxes containing “Thinking it through” questions for self-reflection and clear subheadings in manageable sections...A key strength of this publication is the way each chapter explains, through the use of analogy or through practical examples, how inquiry can be used positively for the benefit of both teacher and pupil within the context of a classroom...By offering practical examples of how, but most importantly why you would want to conduct this sort of inquiry, it will encourage teachers to partake of methods of inquiry putting the data they collect to good use in order to improve their practice and pedagogy, for the benefit of all within their care. -- Chris Hussey * Journal of Trainee Teacher Educational Research (Cambridge) *
The trend towards teachers as practitioner researchers continues, and this text provides a highly accessible and informative introduction to this role... It is written with content and structure that make it appropriate for both teachers and student teachers, particularly those working towards accredited programmes, or who wish to extend their routine teacher evaluations and required data collection practices...In summary this book provides a useful introduction to teacher research. -- Rachel Lofthouse, Newcastle University * International Journal of Research and Method in Education *