Practitioner Research in Early Childhood
International Issues and Perspectives
- Linda Newman - University of Newcastle, Australia
- Christine Woodrow - Western Sydney University, Australia, University of Western Sydney, Australia
"This comprehensive publication rightly establishes early childhood as a critical phase in the education of young people and makes the case for developing our insights regarding early childhood education (ECE) practices through the eyes of practitioner inquiry in the context of collaborative partnerships. It achieves its goal through a series of insightful case studies that not only illuminate the text as stories from the field, but also contribute to our understanding regarding ECE learning and pedagogy."- Susan Groundwater-Smith, Honorary Professor, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney.
Bringing together theory and practice, this book draws on the projects and experiences of senior and new researchers implementing various forms of practitioner research. Chapter discussions are informed by international literature to provide insightful reflections on research processes and the contribution of practitioner research in changing practice. The diversity of perspectives across the chapters provides an excellent resource for those undertaking research within early childhood contexts.
Features include:
- the contribution of practitioner research to curriculum and social change. professional development and strengthening learning communities
- how practitioners can be supported in documenting and articulating their work
- the relationships between the research community and field of practice through practitioner research projects
- contemporary problems and issues that frame the practices of early childhood educators
- case studies from Australia, South Africa, Sweden and Chile
A diverse range of case studies that use a range of internationally recognised research methods are presented. The book offers guidance, support and inspiration to practitioners on how to research their implementation of meaningful and sustainable changes in early childhood contexts.
Certainly supplementary for any programme that includes practitioner research
The book is a useful collection of texts celebrating practitioner research. Although not essential for research modules on Foundation degrees, it is a good starting point for students to explore research in the early years and get inspiration for their own practitioner research projects. There are interesting examples of methodologies for students to consider in being more creative with their early years research.
This book is useful for Foundation Degree in Early Years, but also a valuable source for students who chose to do action research.
Interesting studies and information to broaden understanding. Not essential but explores new areas of research and other areas of focus. Not useful for foundational teaching of an introductory course, but on the suggested reading list.
Great text to help students consider a wider variety of perspectives.
This text is particularly useful for students studying a degree with a work-based element.
As increasingly students are required to undertake action research as part of core training this is a useful book to dip into. A great guide for those embarking on research projects.
This is a fabulous text to accompany the module 'Comparative Education', and also for those looking at research with young children across the globe. My Early Years students found this text very supportive when comparing UK practice to Europe and beyond.
Sample Materials & Chapters
Free chapter - Insider Islamic Spaces of Inquiry: Muslim Educators Producing New
