ABSTRACT

Meanings and Motivation in Education Research demonstrates the vibrant and vital connection between the researcher and their research. Research is often perceived as an entity which is seemingly produced in isolation; however, there are many important factors which are involved, and this book explores the complexities of investigating the specific areas of meaning and motivation for researchers working in the education sector.

With contributions from authors drawn from the field of education in various stages of their career, the perspectives shared in this book are from a diverse range of countries including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Key topics include:

  • personal and professional identity
  • narrative inquiry as method
  • teacher educators as researchers
  • conducting education research
  • mixed methods in educational research

Foregrounding the personal experiences, interests and motivations of educational researchers Meanings and Motivation in Education Research proves important insights into current discussions in educational research including researchers’ identities, the ways they conduct research and most importantly the impact institutional and personal politics have on their work. This will be a valuable text for educators, education researchers, policy-makers and practitioners across the globe.

part I|60 pages

Personal and professional identity

chapter 1|2 pages

Introduction

Personal and professional identity

chapter 2|17 pages

The Table Where Rich People Sit

A turn toward narrative inquiry as method, phenomenon and pedagogy

chapter 3|16 pages

Trouble(d) at the Border

Teacher educators as researchers – a perspective from England

chapter 4|23 pages

Authoring A Life

Writing ourselves in/out of our work in education

part III|59 pages

Imposed imperatives

chapter 10|2 pages

Introduction

Imposed imperatives

chapter 11|11 pages

‘This Email Thing Won't Take Off’

A critique of the Australian government's digital education revolution (DER) funding on a secondary school

chapter 12|15 pages

Methodological Mistakes

A reflexive examination of researcher gender privilege

chapter 13|16 pages

Spoilt For Choice

Factors influencing postgraduate students' decision making

chapter 14|13 pages

The Business of Schoolsrespondent's Text

The application of strategic management theories to risk taking in decision making in public schools

chapter 15|5 pages

Respondent's Text

Stepping off the pedestal