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Action Research
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Action Research
Improving Schools and Empowering Educators

Sixth Edition


June 2019 | 360 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators introduces both novice and experienced practicing educators to the process of designing and conducting classroom-based action research in order to make their instructional practices more effective. This practical text focuses on the research methods and procedures that educators can use in their everyday instructional practices, classroom activities, and school procedures. Using over 20 years of teaching experience, author Craig A. Mertler provides insightful coverage of the knowledge and skills needed to design research studies, conduct research, and communicate findings to relevant stakeholders.

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SAGE edge gives instructors and students the edge they need to succeed with an array of teaching and learning tools in one easy-to-navigate website. Learn more: edge.sagepub.com/mertler6e

 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
PART I • WHAT IS ACTION RESEARCH?
 
CHAPTER 1 • Introduction to Action Research
Chapter 1 Organizer

 
What Is Action Research?

 
The Importance of Action Research

 
Applications of Action Research

 
Rigor in Action Research

 
Summary

 
Questions and Activities

 
Key Terms

 
Student Study Site

 
Conducting Action Research

 
 
CHAPTER 2 • Overview of the Action Research Process
Chapter 2 Organizer

 
Stages and Steps in Action Research

 
The Planning Stage

 
The Acting Stage

 
The Developing Stage

 
The Reflecting Stage

 
A Brief Example

 
Summary

 
Questions and Activities

 
Key Terms

 
Student Study Site

 
Conducting Action Research

 
 
PART II • HOW DO I BEGIN MY ACTION RESEARCH STUDY?
 
CHAPTER 3 • Planning for Action Research and Reviewing Related Literature
Chapter 3 Organizer

 
Identifying a Topic for Research

 
Gathering Preliminary Information

 
Reviewing the Related Literature

 
Summary

 
Questions and Activities

 
Key Terms

 
Student Study Site

 
Conducting Action Research

 
 
CHAPTER 4 • Developing a Research Plan
Chapter 4 Organizer

 
Research Questions

 
Basic Research Designs

 
Ethical Considerations in Your Research

 
Getting Organized for Your Research

 
Summary

 
Questions and Activities

 
Key Terms

 
Student Study Site

 
Conducting Action Research

 
 
PART III • WHAT DO I DO WITH ALL THESE DATA?
 
CHAPTER 5 • Collecting Data
Chapter 5 Organizer

 
Qualitative Data Collection Techniques

 
Quantitative Data Collection Techniques

 
Notes About Ethics and Data Collection

 
A Final Note About Organization and Alignment

 
Summary

 
Questions and Activities

 
Key Terms

 
Student Study Site

 
Conducting Action Research

 
 
CHAPTER 6 • Analyzing Data
Chapter 6 Organizer

 
Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques

 
Quantitative Data Analysis Techniques

 
A Note About Mixed-Methods Data Analysis

 
Reporting the Results of Data Analysis

 
Summary

 
Questions and Activities

 
Key Terms

 
Student Study Site

 
Conducting Action Research

 
 
PART IV • I’VE GOT RESULTS! . . . NOW WHAT?
 
CHAPTER 7 • Next Steps and Future Cycles: Developing an Action Plan
Chapter 7 Organizer

 
Developing Action Plans

 
Levels of Action Plans

 
Action Planning: A Time for Reflection

 
Summary

 
Questions and Activities

 
Key Terms

 
Student Study Site

 
Conducting Action Research

 
 
CHAPTER 8 • Writing an Action Research Report
Chapter 8 Organizer

 
Conventions of Academic Writing

 
A Word About Ethics When Writing Research Reports

 
Practical Guidelines for Writing

 
Summary

 
Questions and Activities

 
Key Terms

 
Student Study Site

 
Conducting Action Research

 
 
CHAPTER 9 • Sharing and Reflecting
Chapter 9 Organizer

 
Communicating the Results of Action Research

 
Reflecting on the Action Research Process

 
Summary

 
Questions and Activities

 
Key Terms

 
Student Study Site

 
Conducting Action Research

 
 
Appendix A. Sample Action Research Report: What Is the Impact of Positive Female Role Models and Mentoring Opportunities on the Self-Efficacy of Girls in Science?
 
Appendix B. Sample Action Research Report: The Relationship Between the Strategy of Knowledge Folders and Study Skills
 
Appendix C. Action Research Developmental Templates
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Index

Supplements

Instructor Teaching Site

edge.sagepub.com/mertler6e
 
SAGE edge for instructors supports your teaching by making it easy to integrate quality content and create a rich learning environment for students with:

  • a password-protected site for complete and protected access to all text-specific instructor resources;
  • editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides that offer complete flexibility for creating a multimedia presentation for your course;
  • chapter-specific discussion questions that help launch classroom interaction and reinforce learning of important chapter topics;
  • chapter outlines summarizing key points that can be used as lecture notes or in-class handouts;
  • an author introduction video explaining important changes between editions;
  • an author video interview defining action research, discussing its benefits for practitioners, and explaining the importance of “critical friends” in the process;
  • engaging video vignettes in each chapter featuring the author and other practitioner-researchers explaining key points from the book and offering insight into the practice and process of action research;
  • author-created interactive PDF Action Research Developmental Templates provided to guide the novice action researcher through many of the steps and decisions in the process of designing and conducting original action research;
  • a link to the author’s Action Research Mentor App which assists professional educators, as well as individuals in other professions, in designing action research studies for their particular settings; and
  • Sample Action Research Reports providing useful examples to draw on when writing an action research report; 
Student Study Site

SAGE edge for students enhances learning, it’s easy to use, and offers:

  • an open-access site that makes it easy for students to maximize their study time, anywhere, anytime;
  • an author introduction video explaining important changes between editions;
  • an author video interview defining action research, discussing its benefits for practitioners, and explaining the importance of “critical friends” in the process;
  • author-created interactive PDF Action Research Developmental Templates provided to guide the novice action researcher through many of the steps and decisions in the process of designing and conducting original action research;
  • engaging video vignettes in each chapter featuring the author and other practitioner-researchers explaining key points from the book and offering insight into the practice and process of action research;
  • Sample Action Research Reports providing useful examples to draw on when writing an action research report;
  • eFlashcards that strengthen understanding of key terms and concepts;
  • eQuizzes that allow students to practice and assess how much they’ve learned and where they need to focus their attention; and
  • a link to the author’s Action Research Mentor App which assists individuals in designing action research studies for their particular settings.

 

 

Action Research is easy to read, it covers the basic tenets of action research without going overboard, and it comes from the viewpoint of lifelong researching. I’ve reviewed other texts that have two of those three qualities, but this is the first book I’ve seen with all three.”

Tamarah M. Ashton
California State University, Northridge

Action Research is a book that I wish I had as a student. In this fine book, Craig A. Mertler effectively informs, guides, and assists readers along their path to understanding and conducting action research. A needed addition to the field!”

Carole S. Rhodes
Queens College, City University of New York

Action Research is a perfect fit for master’s students. It is well-written and especially well scaffolded.”

Annamary L. Consalvo
The University of Texas at Tyler

Action Research is interactive and practically applied to the classroom setting.”

Elizabeth D. Cramer
Florida International University

I particularly appreciate this action research guide due to its emphasis on the educational sphere. My Ed students are sure to be on board!

Dr Natasha N. Johnson
Educ Policy Studies Dept, Georgia State University
September 18, 2019

I have edited this edition and the previous edition. I have made chapter quizzes for this edition. Mertler makes Action Research seem easy to read and to apply to the classroom of PreK-12 teachers. I would recommend this text.

Dr Dawn Behan
Education, Mount Mercy University
October 12, 2020

Clear presentation of phases and examples relevant to educators

Professor Gay Ward
Teacher Education, Univ Of Wisconsin-River Falls
July 13, 2020