Exploring the tension between the use of evidence-based practice, based upon the ‘solidity’ of research, and reflection with its subjectivity and personal perception, this book argues that reflection is research.

No matter how busy your schedule, you can renew and refresh your professional growth by using these reflection breaks! Strongly believing that educators should always reflect on their day′s work, teacher and writer Thomas S. C. Farrell designed this new book with busy teachers in mind. The 80 reflection breaks featured can be used as individual discussion starters or as part of a comprehensive professional growth plan that is perfect for teachers at all levels. Farrell makes focusing on reflective practice easy by allowing readers to browse through the complete selection of reflective breaks in the table of contents to find their areas of interest and concern. Each reflection break is set within a context of theory, practice, and strategies in the following areas: Spicing up "routine teaching" and reflection after each class Conducting action research and creating a portfolio Reflecting individually or in groups and setting up guidelines for group reflection Communicating and reflecting effectively and devoting enough time to reflection Reflective Practice in Action has a versatile format, inviting educators to reflect on their past actions in the classroom, and offering practical suggestions to improve and energize their professional growth, teaching methods, and classroom strategies.

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For courses in Action Research This package includes the Enhanced Pearson eText and bound book. A brief, user-friendly, solid look at the action research cycle and the knowledge to work through each step. In this book, educators learn what they need to know about the action research cycle and get practical help for working through each step of the cycle-from choosing a topic and generating research questions to analyzing data and reporting results and conclusions. In a clear, concise, user-friendly approach, the author helps readers through the entire process with specific, practical information that incorporates some of the latest online and professional resources, a more detailed explanation of how to analyze and interpret qualitative data, and instructions on formatting the research paper using the latest APA guidelines. From reviews of the text: "I've used the Hendricks text for 5 semesters and have modified the course each semester based on a deeper appreciation for the content the text offers. . . . . The Hendricks text provides an excellent organization and sequence in implementing the process of action research. . . . I see the text as a very strong component to my course and to any action research courses offered. . . . It helps students to produce a thorough and valuable end product." --Jill Miels, Ball State University "Key strengths are the examples and sample narratives; . . . projects threaded through the text provide a unifying connection of applications of the process for teachers. . . . [T]he last chapter provides much needed guidance for dissemination of research study results through presentations and publications." --Reese H. Todd, Texas Tech University "The strength of the text is accessibility and clarity. The text takes students through the steps of creating an action research project in clear and concise language. Hendricks does an excellent job of providing an appropriate balance of support and challenge for student teachers/action researchers. Great text for anyone who wants to learn more about constructing their own knowledge and improving schools through action research." --Jason Colombino, Boston College Lynch School of Education Invigorate learning with the Enhanced Pearson eText The Enhanced Pearson eText provides a rich, interactive learning environment designed to improve student mastery of content with embedded videos and tutorials. The Enhanced Pearson eText is also available without a print version. Instructors, visit pearsonhighered.com/etextbooks/ted to register for your digital examination copy. Students, register for or purchase your eText at pearsonhighered.com/etextbooks/ted.

This text emphasizes the reflective processes used in planning and conducting action research studies, data analysis techniques (quantitative and qualitative), and displaying and explaining results. It provides specific information needed to complete each step of the action research cycle with chapter activities that help the student/reader conduct projects focused on school improvement. Each activity includes a research paper component that helps students create a research paper as they complete the activities.

This reference tool for mastering reflective practice and initiating it in your school offers ideas for reflective practice alone, with partners, in small groups, and schoolwide.

This new edition offers practical advice to educational practitioners engaging with action research, helping them to understand the key issues involved in completing successful action research projects.