Increasingly, teachers at all levels of the education system are expected to undertake research that will help improve their teaching practice and enhance learning outcomes for students. This book provides a basic understanding of the research process–it’s an easy-to-read but informative and sound introduction.

It contains many frequently asked questions and then provides helpful answers:

• Why should we conduct educational research?
• What are the major approaches and how do you choose the one that suits your purpose?
• Where does research fit with theory?
• Why are ethical and cultural considerations so important?
• How do you formulate a research question?
• What are the best methods for gathering data?
• How do you make sense of data?
• How do you write up your findings?

Three threads are woven through the book – the why, the how, and the so what of educational research. Each of these threads is thoughtfully addressed.

Although Doing Educational Research is written primarily for the novice researcher, it has a place for those seeking an overview of the research process and for experienced researchers wanting a "refresher".

Carol Mutch is currently Associate Director of the School of Professional Development at the Christchurch College of Education. Her work in education has been recognised through several national and international awards.