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Researching Learning Difficulties
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Researching Learning Difficulties
A Guide for Practitioners

First Edition


October 2004 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
`The authors provide a guide which points the reader to sources that can engage more deeply with the issues raised and, as such, is a useful resource for anyone wanting to know more about researching learning difficulties' - British Journal of Special Education

'This book is highly recommended and endorsed. It celebrates the diversity of work that is currently undertaken in the field of learning difficulties with a concern to enable people working within different spheres of activity to share something of their work to contribute to the bigger picture.

'As part of an academic, school or staff development resource library this book will aid, stimulate and focus researchers at all levels to hone their selected methods, evaluate results and critically judge qualitative and quantitative data' - Special Children

`This timely book, written in a highly accessible way... provides a coherent basis for users as well as practitioners, of research involving children and young people with learning difficulties' - Ann Lewis, Professor of Special Education and Educational Psychology, University of Birmingham.

This book is for researchers, teachers and other professionals working with children and people with learning difficulties. It will enable them to:

- access research in learning difficulties, drawing on other disciplines

- understand different types of research methodology and their strengths and limitations

- examine how researchers must consider the constraints on methodology because of the characteristics of the field

- and understand the particular issues of small-scale research and participatory research

- explore new methodologies that are developing in the field

The authors recognize that there are tensions, especially the difficulty of validating research on small varied populations in a wide range of schools, community and other settings. The book will help readers to critically evaluate the implications of research reports for their own practice.

This book is for researchers, teachers and professionals:

- in specialist and inclusive community and educational settings

- following courses of continuing professional development

- doing research (Masters and Doctorate, Education, Social Sciences, Psychology, Public Policy).

It is relevant to practitioners working with people with learning difficulties across a range of settings.

 
Introduction
 
Historical Perspective
 
Research Agendas
 
Trends in Research
 
Evaluation Research
 
Researching Intervention
 
Participatory Research
 
Small-Scale Research
 
Looking beyond the Discipline

'This book is highly recommended and endorsed. It celebrates the diversity of work that is currently undertaken in the field of learning difficulties with a concern to enable people working within different spheres of activity to share something of their work to contribute to the bigger picture.

'As part of an academic, school or staff development resource library this book will aid, stimulate and focus researchers at all levels to hone their selected methods, evaluate results and critically judge qualitative and quantitative data' - Special Children

`This timely book, written in a highly accessible way... provides a coherent basis for users as well as practitioners, of research involving children and young people with learning difficulties' - Ann Lewis, Professor of Special Education and Educational Psychology, University of Birmingham.


This is a welcome text in the fields of both research and learning difficulties. It provides a clear foundation from which researchers can build their understanding of inclusive research with recommendations about additional accessibility considerations that must be considered when conducting research. The historical context for how research in learning difficulties has progressed is also valuable for those new to the fields.

Ms Lorraine Loveland-Armour
Department of Education, Newman University
February 20, 2017

I enjoyed the book, I found it quite a intense layout however. Very good content with some good theories.

Miss Julia Chiari
Employability, Work Ready People- Hit
September 19, 2014

A useful introduction to the background issues when conducting research with children with additional needs. One especially useful chapter considers differing perspectives from a range of disciplines and the way that these different perspectives influence research.

Mrs Julie Prentice
Department of Childhood Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University
June 18, 2014

An in-depth overview of some of the key issues that an inclusive researcher is likely to face.

Mr Cathal Butler
School of Education, Bedfordshire University
October 23, 2013

A good book to refer to as an introduction for practitioners understanding of research in learning difficulties.

Dr Martin Partridge
Faculty of Health , Staffordshire University
March 19, 2013

There was nothing else that I was aware of specific to researching pupils with SEN and yet this was something that many students were interested in - this book fills a gap in student need.

Dr Kate Wall
Education , Newcastle upon Tyne University
October 27, 2009

Sample Materials & Chapters

Foreword by Professor Ann Lewis

Introduction


For instructors

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