This textbook provides readers with a blend of practical and theoretical information, using real-world examples and illustrations to help users grasp abstract ideas and apply them to their research.

Qualitative Research in Education: A User's Guide, Second Edition brings together the essential elements of qualitative research, including traditions and influences in the field and practical, step-by-step coverage of each stage of the research process. Synthesizing the best thinking on conducting qualitative research in education, Marilyn Lichtman uses a conversational writing style that draws readers into the excitement of the research process. --from publisher description.

Helping education students become savvy qualitative researchers Qualitative Research in Education: A User′s Guide, Third Edition continues to bring together the essential elements of qualitative research, including traditions and influences in the field and practical, step-by-step coverage of each stage of the research process. Synthesizing the best thinking on conducting qualitative research in education, author Marilyn Lichtman uses a conversational writing style that draws readers into the excitement of the research process. Real-world examples provide both practical and theoretical information, helping readers understand abstract ideas and apply them to their own research.

For those interested in finding a computer application well-suited for their own qualitative research or just learning more about the capabilities of the latest generation of computer software designed with text, Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis by Eben A. Weitzman and Matthew B. Miles probably represents the single investment they can make. . . . In Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis, Weitzman and Miles . . . provide a critical, in-depth look at 24 separate applications. The authors make an impressive team: Weitzman is a professor of social and organizational psychology with an extensive computer background, and Miles is a social psychologist who is well-known in the field of qualitative research for co-authoring a popular book on qualitative data analysis with A. Michael Huberman. Together, the two researchers have produced an informative, user-friendly sourcebook that can save readers a significant amount of time and money when shopping for a software program for qualitative data analysis. Weitzman and Miles clearly put a tremendous amount of work into Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis; they write their reviews of each application in remarkably lucid and jargon-free language in a format reminiscent of Consumer Reports. The level of detail in the reviews reflects their careful and thoughtful field-testing of 24 software programs. Reviews average about 10 pages each and actually show you what each application can do, and every review includes a series of realistic visuals (complete with helpful captions) that display what the computer screen looks like when performing various functions with that specific computer program. In addition to describing the special features of each computer program, Weitzman and Miles discuss the strengths and weaknesses of every application and make explicit comparisons with other applications in the same ′family.′ "Sage Publications deserves special credit for their role in publishing Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis. Instead of issuing this book in hardcover and attaching a hefty price tag, they released it as an oversized (81/2-by-11-inch) paperback and made this valuable information available at a modest cost. Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis is the most comprehensive resource on its subject currently available, and is an excellent starting point for qualitative researchers interested in integrating computer technology more fully into their own data analysis strategies." --Harvard Educational Review "The book by Weitzman & Miles is one of many new books on computers and qualitative software and indeed a good one. . . . The book is truly a user′s book--one of the useful ones. . . . After this first feeling of self-confidence, I just kept on reading the book and found very thorough and illuminative reviews of no less that 24 computer programs for qualitative analysis. . . . Renata Tesch initiated the work of making it easier for us to survey the qualitative analysis methods--Weitzman & Miles carry on in the finest way." --Nyhedsbrer "Although the authors have a background in social and organizational psychology, their expertise on qualitative research methods is relevant to gerontologists. . . . The authors give a history of the use of computers in qualitative data analysis, describe the different types of programs, and suggest future directions, but the bulk of this book is reviews of the software out there. . . . Before you spend several hundred dollars on a software program, spend thirty and get this book." --T. L. Brink in Clinical Gerontologist "Eben A. Weitzman and Matthew B. Miles′s valuable sourcebook on computer programs is designed exclusively for those interested in qualitative data analysis. . . . For qualitative researchers who want to learn or update their knowledge of the use of computer software." --Choice "What program do I use to analyze my field notes? Eben A. Weitzman and Matthew B. Miles provide the information you need to make that decision intelligently: full descriptions, informed judgments, and helpful comparisons. Anyone who does fieldwork needs this book." --Howard Becker, Department of Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle "This will be the standard work of reference for several years to come. We owe the authors a considerable debt of gratitude for all the work they have put into reviewing such a comprehensive range of software. The result is incredibly lucid." --Paul Atkinson, University of Wales, Cardiff "The book is absolutely perfect for my situation. I don′t know how many readers will be in the position of purchasing software for respective labs, but those who are will be in for a real treat. The comprehensiveness of the reviews is more than adequate to determine whether a particular program meets the needs of an individual or group. . . . It is the most comprehensive book of its kind, for any kind of software, that I have ever seen." --Steven E. Wolfel, Research Publishing Consultant "Making decisions about choosing software for qualitative data analysis can be intimidating and I think this book will be an excellent resource for those of us who are involved in this type of research. I found this to be an extremely well-thought-out and informative resource book. The detail is wonderful." --Kathleen R. Gilbert, Indiana University, Bloomington Do you want to start, extend, or update your use of computer software for qualitative data analysis? If so, this clear and user-friendly guidebook is for you. Without assuming its reader has extensive computer experience, Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis takes a critical yet practical look at the wide range of software currently available. It gives detailed reviews of 24 programs in five major categories (text retrievers, textbase managers, code-and-retrieve programs, code-based theory-builders, and conceptual network-builders) and gives ratings of more than 75 features per program. The authors also provide detailed guidance in operating each program. They help you to ask key questions about your computer use--the nature of your project, time line, analyses planned, and the worksheets required--to help you identify the programs best suited to your needs. Up-to-date and practical, Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis is an absolute must-have book for any qualitative researcher who uses--or wants to use--computer programs in analyses.

The Elements of Inquiry covers the basic guidelines for graduate students doing an investigation or inquiry project. It distils the rubrics necessary for teaching research methods and completing research projects, and gives the student researcher a list of steps to follow to complete any type of inquiry project – including formal research projects such as doctoral dissertations. It was written to support the work of students in an educational leadership doctoral program, but it will also assist the research efforts of college students at any level in any discipline. The book begins by establishing the underlying philosophical concepts upon which all good research is based, preparing students to get down to the "nuts and bolts" of conducting their own research and evaluating the research of others. Fundamental concepts and rules of research are explained both for producers and consumers of social science and educational research. Numerous practical examples illustrate the steps in the research process presented in the text. There are end-of-chapter exercises for students to apply the concepts discussed in the chapter. Templates for organizing and presenting research provide students with a game plan for success with their research. The book ends with an up-to-date annotated bibliography of beginning and advanced research texts allowing students easy access to books that detail the more specialized research topics. While most research books detail one or more method in depth, this text provides a broad introduction to many techniques and models used in doctoral dissertations, and will be of particular value to those who are consumers of inquiry studies and research reports. Key to the overview provided is the annotated bibliography that leads the reader to the next stage of understanding or doing research.

The 4th edition of the Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology expands upon the previous 3 versions, providing a comprehensive update on research pertaining to new and emerging educational technologies. Chapters that are no longer pertinent have been eliminated in this edition, with most chapters being completely rewritten, expanded, and updated Additionally, new chapters pertaining to research methodologies in educational technology have been added due to expressed reader interest. Each chapter now contains an extensive literature review, documenting and explaining the most recent, outstanding research, including major findings and methodologies employed. The Handbook authors continue to be international leaders in their respective fields; the list is cross disciplinary by design and great effort was taken to invite authors outside of the traditional instructional design and technology community.

This edited volume contains reports of current research, and literature reviews of research, involving self-efficacy in various instructional technology contexts. The chapters represent international perspectives across the broad areas of K- 12 education, higher education, teacher self-efficacy, and learner self-efficacy to capture a diverse cross section of research on these topics. The book includes reviews of existing literature and reports of new research, thus creating a comprehensive resource for researchers and designers interested in this general topic. The book is especially relevant to students and researchers in educational technology, instructional technology, instructional design, learning sciences, and educational psychology.

Research is increasingly becoming more influential in the field of education and this Handbook brings together a range of top academic experts who represent diverse fields within and outside of education, as well as quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches to provide an upto- date, advanced analysis of all relevant issues involved in educational research. The Handbook is written in lively, welcoming prose and central to the handbook is an intention to encourage and help researchers place ideas at the epicenter of inquiry. In addition explicit discussion of the fundamental challenges that researchers must consciously address throughout their inquiry are identified and solutions provided to help future researchers overcome similar obstacles.

A practical introduction to participatory program evaluation Evaluating Public and Community Health Programs provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of evaluation, with a participatory model that brings stakeholders together for the good of the program. Linking community assessment, program implementation, and program evaluation, this book emphasizes practical, ongoing evaluation strategies that connect theory with application. This updated second edition includes new discussion on planning policy change programs using logic models and theory of change, plus expanded coverage of processes, outcomes, data collection, and more. Each chapter includes classroom activities and group discussion prompts, and the companion website provides worksheets, lecture slides, and a test bank for instructors. Mini cases help illustrate the real-world applications of the methods described, and expanded case studies allow students to dig deeper into practice and apply what they've learned. Accurate and effective evaluation is the key to a successful program. This book provides a thorough introduction to all aspects of this critical function, with a wealth of opportunities to apply new concepts. Learn evaluation strategies that involve all program stakeholders Link theory to practice with new mini cases and examples Understand the uses, processes, and approaches to evaluation Discover how ongoing evaluation increases program effectiveness Public and community health programs are a vital part of our social infrastructure, and the more effective they are, the more people they can serve. Proper planning is important, but continued evaluation is what keeps a program on track for the long term. Evaluating Public and Community Health Programs provides clear instruction and insightful discussion on the many facets of evaluation, with a central focus on real-world service.

This book explores the dynamic approach to student-centred learning known as project-based learning, or project work. It addresses both the concepts and practical application of project-based learning to enhance teaching and learning. It describes empirical case study research into the impact of research-based project work on independent learning for academically-able secondary school students at Hwa Chong Institution, a premier independent school in Singapore. The research investigated how students dealt with an innovative project-based learning curriculum built on a social constructivist approach designed to foster independent learning attitudes. The students had to research and initiate their own projects, and see through the entire process with guidance from their teacher mentors. The case study findings give rich insights into student perspectives and experiences as they engage in projects and respond to real-life challenges and problems. A new theory of project-based learning is presented in the form of theoretical propositions. The research has implications for the professional development of teachers as project work mentors to help prepare their students to be ‘future-proof’ in dealing with 21st century study, work and social challenges with confidence. The book highlights compelling reasons for schools to include some form of research-based project work within their curricula, thereby allowing students to engage in collaborative, authentic research.