The Classroom Researcher: Using Applied Research to Meet Student Needs
By (Author) Suzanne G. Houff
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Rowman & Littlefield Education
8th February 2008
United States
General
Non Fiction
Educational strategies and policy
Teacher training
370.72
Paperback
108
Width 142mm, Height 216mm, Spine 9mm
154g
The Classroom Researcher is designed for teachers, administrators, and professional developers who are interested in learning how research can be used to improve instruction. The book begins with an overview of educational research and an identification of the types and purpose of research designs. This is followed by an explanation as to how and why research is used in education. Users are then guided through the process of identifying a problem, compiling a literature review that synthesizes research related to the problem, and developing a product that addresses the problem.
This workbook presents valuable research information in a non-threatening and non-statistical format. Educators can easily progress through the book and begin practicing research in the classroom to better meet the needs of their students.
Houff presents ideas clearly and interestingly. But even more, she provides the readers with a rationale for why students do what they do. She describes human needs as seen from the perspective of choice theory and integrates them into practical strategies and techniques. Using the need system to motivate students frees the teacher of responsibility to reward and punish. The process puts the responsibility on the studentswhere it belongs. And yet teachers does not lose authority; they gain respect and enhance their leadership skills. When teachers implement the ideas contained in this book, they develop techniques for managing the classroom and for preventing discipline problems. This book should be read by both new and experienced teachers. -- Robert E. Wubbolding, director of the Center for Reality Therapy, and director of training for The William Glasser Institute.
Suzanne Houff has worked in both elementary and middle schools as a classroom teacher and as a library media specialist. Currently she is associate professor of education at Mary Washington University in Virginia where she instructs pre-services teachers as they work toward initial licensure and a master's degree in education.