Jerry Wellington

Marcin Szczerbinski

The aim of this book is to provide an introductory but not simplistic guide to research in the social and behavioural sciences. The book sets out to tackle difficult issues and concepts in a scholarly but accessible manner, providing ample guidance and signposts to further reading. We explore a wide range of questions about research and research methods, including: * What counts as 'good research'? * Research approaches, paradigms, methods and methodology: what are they and what is the difference? * What is the so-called 'qualitative/ quantitative'? * When and where is quantitative research indispensable? * If one suggests that research should be 'scientific' what does that mean? * What methods and methodologies are used in social research? * What is the role of statistics in social and behavioural research? How should statistical evidence be interpreted? * What are the ways in which research can, and should, be disseminated and presented? This book is aimed as much at the reflective, researching professional as for the professional researcher.

Research Methods for the Social Sciences

Stephanie Pitts

Catherine Biggs

Adrian Eley

Not that long ago there were fairly clear divisions between researchers at different stages throughout their career, starting with doctoral students then progressing to postdoctoral workers and finishing with academic staff. However, more recently the term Early Career Researcher (ECR) has been introduced partly as a response to their growing importance which has been reflected by their increased respect and status shown by national, international and funding bodies. There are several common features of an ECR’s job including the need to establish a professional identity and develop into an independent researcher, competing for grants and increasing one’s output of research publications; this book offers proven practical advice to help ECRs kick-start a successful academic career. With advice on: Choosing research topics Making best use of a Research Supervisor/Mentor Developing your research writing Getting published: journals and books Writing a research grant/fellowship Becoming a supervisor Becoming a teacher, and Developing your career This guide will help academics at the start of their career no matter what discipline they are engaged in... Arts, Humanities, Sciences or Social Sciences. For example, in sciences and engineering, ECRs are commonly part of a large research team and often have to work in collaborative groups; requiring strong interpersonal skills but can lead to tension in the interaction with one’s supervisor or mentor. In contrast, in the arts and humanities and perhaps the social sciences, an ECR is more likely to be an independent scholar with a requirement to work alone, leading to a different type of relationship (but not necessarily any less stressful) with one’s supervisor or mentor. Using case studies from across the subject areas to illustrate key points and give suitable examples this vital guide will help all early career academics.

Becoming a Successful Early Career Researcher

Practical work has been part of science education for just over 100 years and is accepted as an essential and exciting part of understanding this discipline. Although it can be costly and sometimes messy, it simply has to be done if students and teachers are to progress in their understanding. Schools and universities invest millions of pounds in it and the National Curriculum reveres it - but what exactly is going on in classrooms around the country and how are the leading practitioners moving with the times? This book attempts to reflect on the value and purpose of practical work as part of the scientific curriculum. Why are practical exercises so necessary and what do they contribute to the learning process? The chapters examine many issues such as: * how practical work is perceived by students and teachers * whether we will move on to the 'virtual lab' * the limitations of current 'hands-on' work and valuable alternatives to it * the connections between practical work in science education and 'authentic' science * what role experimentation plays in current educational practice. Jerry Wellington is Reader in Education at Sheffield University, and has taught science at all academic levels.

Which Way Now?

Practical Work in School Science

A comprehensive critical survey of the controversies, theories and practices central to secondary education today, this book provides teachers, researchers, parents and policy-makers with a vital new reference resource. It covers important topics including: assessment citizenship curriculum e-learning exclusion theories of learning work experience. Fully cross-referenced, with extensive suggestions for further reading and on-line resources, this is an essential guide to theory and practice in the twenty-first century classroom.

Secondary Education: The Key Concepts

Gren Ireson

A comprehensive and critical guide for new and experienced teachers on the teaching and learning of science. It combines an overview of current research with an account of curriculum changes to provide a valuable and practical guide to the business of classroom teaching.

Teaching and Learning Secondary Science

Now fully updated in its fourth edition, Science Learning, Science Teaching offers an accessible, practical guide to creative classroom teaching and a comprehensive introduction to contemporary issues in science education. Aiming to encourage and assist professionals with the process of reflection in the science classroom, the new edition re-examines the latest advances in the field and changes to the curriculum, and explores the use of mobile technology and coding, and its impact on ICT in science education. With extra tasks integrated throughout the book and a brand new chapter, ‘Working scientifically’, to help develop learners’ investigative skills, key topics include: • The art and craft of science teaching. • The science curriculum and science in the curriculum. • Planning and managing learning. • Inclusive science education. • Laboratory safety in science learning and teaching. • Language and numeracy in science teaching and learning. • Computers and computing in science education. • Citizenship and sustainability in science education. Including points for reflection and useful information about further reading and recommended websites, Science Learning, Science Teaching is an essential source of support, guidance and inspiration for all students, teachers, mentors and those involved in science education wishing to reflect upon, improve and enrich their practice.

Science Learning, Science Teaching

Professor Jerry Wellington

Now fully updated in its third edition, Science Learning, Science Teaching offers an accessible, practical guide to creative classroom teaching and a comprehensive introduction to contemporary issues in science education. Aiming to encourage and assist professionals with the process of reflection in the science classroom, the new edition examines the latest research in the field, changes to curriculum and the latest standards for initial teacher training. Including two brand new chapters, key topics covered include: the science curriculum and science in the curriculum planning and managing learning learning in science – including consideration of current ‘fads’ in learning safety in the science laboratory exploring how science works using ICT in the science classroom teaching in an inclusive classroom the role of practical work and investigations in science language and literacy in science citizenship and sustainability in science education. Including useful references, further reading lists and recommended websites, Science Learning, Science Teaching is an essential source of support, guidance and inspiration all students, teachers, mentors and those involved in science education wishing to reflect upon, improve and enrich their practice.

Written in clear, straight-forward language, Examining Doctoral Work considers how the practice of doctoral examination can be improved to ensure that both examiners and students can make the most of the assessment process. This book analyses both good and bad practice to promote fair, thorough and productive examination. With insight into how to prepare for a viva, as well as a consideration of the responsibilities afterwards, the book de-mystifies this crucial part of the doctoral examination process to provide a comprehensive overview of the principles, criteria and processes needed to ensure success. Key points covered include: The different forms doctoral submission can take How examiners are chosen Where to begin when reading a thesis Managing your time as an examiner What makes a ‘good’ doctoral thesis? How to prepare for the viva How to develop a preliminary report The role of the supervisor before, during and after the viva Examiners’ roles and responsibilities Working through agreements and disagreements Feeding back both orally and in writing. Drawing from a mixture of personal experience, existing research and anecdote, this book is ideal reading for anyone new to the world of doctoral examination, or equally those looking to improve their practice.

Exploring Principles, Criteria and Processes

Examining Doctoral Work

Kay Guccione

Taking Control of Writing Your Thesis offers a clear account of the how, what, why and who of working together so that you can produce, finish and submit a successful thesis. Guccione is a Thesis Coach and Thesis Mentoring Programme Designer and is currently researching the barriers to thesis completion; Wellington has supervised and examined numerous dissertations at MA and doctoral level. They draw on these experiences throughout in providing you with expert guidance for your thesis, informed by real student testimonies and with 'Points to Ponder' and a wealth of online resources to support you along the way. Guccione and Wellington show that planning, writing and support for thesis writers is a collaborative venture but also one which you can take ownership of and manage. They show that there are ways to become more connected to what and who you need, and explore the collegial and peer-support structures that are there to be utilised. They situate the student within an educational context viewing them not as the lone researcher able or not able, skilled or unskilled, but as the navigator of the writing process. The authors draw on their experience to provide ways of thinking, and tools for empowering students to feel more in control of the practices of writing about research.

Jerry Wellington

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