ABSTRACT

This book offers a student-focused guide to conducting undergraduate research in education and education-related programs, engaging students in the process of learning through research, and supporting them to navigate their multidimensional academic programs.

Written for undergraduate students in teacher education programs, the book features a range of leading voices in the field who offer a step-by-step guide to all elements of the research process: from conducting a literature review and choosing a research topic, to collecting data and building a research community with peers and mentors. Ultimately, volume editors Ruth J. Palmer and Deborah L. Thompson help model the competencies that students need to succeed, including complex thinking, strategic design, modeling, and persistent iterative practice, while demonstrating how conducting research can help students develop as deep thinkers, courageous researchers, and active participants in their communities of practice.

Offering strategic approaches, support, and guidance, this book demonstrates the wider importance of undergraduate research in informing educational practice and policy, as well as understanding schools beyond the classroom context, encouraging active engagement and continued learning progression.

chapter 1|20 pages

Undergraduate Research in Teacher Education

The Legacy, the Promise, the Responsibility

chapter 2|17 pages

Beginning the Investigation

The Research Question

chapter 5|11 pages

Technology

The All-Purpose Research Tool for Discovery, Organization, and Collaboration

chapter 6|13 pages

Building Essential Components of a Research Project

Determining Topic, Research Design, and Ethical Conduct Need

chapter 7|15 pages

Data Analysis

The Heart of the Research Study

chapter 9|15 pages

Report Writing for Undergraduate Research in Teacher Education

Findings and Discussion

chapter 10|12 pages

Report Writing II

Dissemination and Emerging Innovative Approaches

chapter 11|27 pages

Toward Excellence in Undergraduate Research in Teacher Education Programs

Practice, Persistence, and Partnerships