Action Research for Student Teachers

Much to the surprise of anyone who meets him now, when he was a young man, Colin Forster spent two years working as an outdoor activities instructor and it was during this time that he developed an interest in education. He began his primary teaching career in south west London before moving to Gloucestershire, where he continued to gain school leadership experience. He is currently a senior lecturer in primary education at the University of Gloucestershire, where he has gained considerable experience of primary teacher education course leadership and in supporting students, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, with research projects focused on improving practice. His areas of interest include primary science, behaviour management and action research and he has undertaken research into children's experience of homework in the primary years. Rachel Eperjesi knew she wanted to be a teacher from the age of 5. However, some rather poor careers advice led her to embark on a medical degree, which quickly resulted in her declaring it 'too messy' and she decided to follow her heart into teaching instead. After completing a BEd Hons, Rachel taught in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 (also quite messy) in Gloucestershire, as well as undertaking English consultancy for the local authority. She now works at the University of Gloucestershire, lecturing in primary English and professional studies, as well as currently leading the School Direct PGCE Primary course. Rachel has supported many students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, with research projects focusing on improving their educational practice.

Chapter 1: Introduction Part One: Planning and preparing for your action research project Chapter 2: Identifying a focus for your action research project Chapter 3: Defining clear enquiry objectives Chapter 4: Engaging with the literature Chapter 5: Considering ethical issues Chapter 6: Planning to gather data Part Two: Undertaking your action research project Chapter 7: Ethics in action Chapter 8: 'Capturing' your evidence Chapter 9: Evaluating as you go Part Three: Writing your action research project report Chapter 10: Writing the introduction to your action research report Chapter 11: Writing the literature review Chapter 12: Writing the enquiry design or research plan Chapter 13: Writing the implementation and analysis section Chapter 14: Writing the conclusion to your action research report Chapter 15: Conclusion