Doing Educational Research

"This refreshing book leaves standard methods texts behind, offering emerging researchers a truly unique set of practical insights into the complexity of methodological dilemmas and challenges they might face in the  unpredictable real world of educational settings;  immersing readers in diverse, authentic examples from international studies will help develop open-mindedness, criticality, intercultural awareness and reflexivity."

-- Dr Sara Hennessy

This collection of work by international scholars and experienced researchers within the field of social science offers fresh insights and makes a significant contribution to the burgeoning landscape of educational research. Compelling arguments based upon an eclectic range of concrete examples of empirical research drawn from multiple sites and lines of enquiry challenge the taken-for-granted assumptions, epistemological perspectives and more traditional approaches which serve to encourage readers to push the boundaries and contemplate new ways of seeing, doing, analysing, interpreting and understanding educational research. The adoption of a questioning and critically reflective stance not only enables readers to recognise the possibilities but moreover the challenges, pitfalls and lessons learned from different approaches to educational research, which are succinctly captured in researcher checklists. A recurring theme which permeates this book is the desire to engage in ethical research practice that has integrity, particularly against the backdrop of uncertainty and growing concerns about the future direction/s of educational research. Early career and experienced researchers will find this an indispensable resource.

 

-- Dr Paula Nadine Zwozdiak-M