Success at seeking and gaining funding is now a vital component of building of a successful research career. The book sets out the case for why success at winning funding is so important, from both an institutional and individual researcher perspective. Primarily based on research funding available to researchers in the United Kingdom, the author explores in depth the main forms of research, research funding organizations, and modes of funding. The book takes researchers through the process of applying for funding, and suggests ways in which they can improve their chances of being successful. The book covers research funding in all the key areas: The sciences Life sciences Social sciences Arts and humanities And it also has a depth of coverage that will be useful to established researchers as well as those in the early stages of a research career.

The contributors to this volume explore the implications of government funding of scientific research and offer alternatives to the heavy reliance on government support that research and development (R&D) currently enjoys. Each author squarely confronts the problems arising from the idea that government funding of R&D is and ought to be the norm.

The pressure to win funding to do research is felt by nearly all academics worldwide. This book details strategies that you might adopt to get your research projects funded. It also explains how to manage your research projects once they are funded. It explains how generic university research funding mechanisms work so that you will be better equipped to navigate your way through the financial maze associated with various funding sources.

Obtaining research funding can be a long, laborious and stressful process. This book helps ease this process by providing practical advice, useful tips and information about funding databases and funding directories. Covering a wide variety of funding sources such as government, industry and charity, it is suitable for researchers in the UK, US, EU and further afield. Learn how to: · Find relevant sources of funding · Produce and justify your budget · Cost your project · Complete and submit your application form · Use ethical funding organizations · Avoid conflict of interest

* What is action research and how can it best be understood? * How can practitioners use action research to deal with problems and improve services? * What are the different types of action research and which might be most appropriate for use in a particular setting? This book has been designed for use as a core text on research methods courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level and on professional training courses. It is divided into three parts. Part one traces the history of action research and shows the links between its use in education, community development, management research and nursing. Building on this background the book explores different ways in which action research has been defined and proposes four different types, each appropriate to a different problem situation and context. In part two, five case studies of action research are described from the perspective of the researcher, including case studies of success and instructive failure. Part three is designed to enable the reader to find a route through the maze of methods and approaches in action research by the use of such things as self-assessment and mapping exercises, a guide to diary keeping and to evaluation. The final chapter suggests that by developing a 'project perspective' action research can be of practical benefit to health and social care professionals in promoting service improvements.

This practical guide to promoting and developing independent learning is presented in a mixed format using both diagrammatic and textual stimulus. It offers tips and suggestions to achieve effective teaching and learning, and raises standards by enabling the pupil to become independent and responsible for their own learning; autonomous in their thinking and creative and critical in their understanding. Liz Lakin describes a progression away from dependency on the classroom teacher, whose role changes readily from teacher to facilitator. Drawing on practice-based research, she introduces the skills and processes associated with independent learning through established strategies such as ‘Assessment for Learning’, the use of ‘Active learning’ techniques, problem solving activities and peer-assessment. Each chapter presents tried and tested ideas, strategies and activities for the development of higher-order skills such as application, synthesis, evaluation and reflection, to use with pupils across the dependency spectrum. Several relate to the higher levels of attainment and are therefore applicable at Key Stage 3. The effectiveness of teacher/pupil feedback and the role of homework form a significant focus for the latter part of the book. "A truly-thought provoking, interactive book with a difference that takes teachers on a learning journey. It encourages us to reflect on how we learn, how our pupils learn and what the collective implications for effective teaching and helping pupils to construct their learning are.Reading and actively engaging with this book is indeed a learning journey, invaluable to practitioners. The text contains many invaluable references and deals with topics such as the value of homework, how people learn and how people respond to techniques addressee to hem in learning situations. An essential reading for practicing teachers and particularly students in training and their tutors." Dr Sue Dale Tunnicliffe, Senior lecturer in Science Education, Institute of Education, University of London, UK "There has never been a time when independent learning is more important in school science. In Developing Independent Learning in Science, Liz Lakin challenges the reader to examine how they teach science and why pupils respond as they do. The result is a book that should be of great value to those who teach science to 7-12 year-olds and to science educators in general. A particular strength is the way the author interweaves rigorous thinking about learning with activities for the reader to help them engage with the text. In addition, there is a mass of useful thinking in here and plenty of classroom suggestions. The book is worth reading simply for the honesty of the 'How not to climb Helvellyn' case study." Michael J Reiss, Professor of Science Education, Institute of Education, University of London, UK "In this book Liz Lakin involves the readers in the kind of independent learning that she in describing and advocating. It should enable practising teachers to stand back from their work to consider why we want children to learn in a certain way as well as providing useful ideas about how to do it. It is written in a personal and engaging style and is a unique addition to books on science teaching." Wynne Harlen, OBE, PhD. Visiting Professor of Education, University of Bristol, UK

What are the responsibilities of those involved in social research for maximising the impact of research findings? How can social science researchers ensure that their work is widely publicized, applied and implemented? When should social research be extended or ended? Aimed at social researchers, students and research commissioners, this book is about the application, implementation and publication of social research. It focuses on the tasks of making findings available and ensuring that applied social research makes a difference to people’s lives. Drawing upon numerous examples, the book demonstrates the importance of considering the impact of research throughout the whole process. The contributors argue convincingly that an ethical approach to social science research requires a focus on the effectiveness of outcomes, outputs and responsibilities not acknowledged within the traditional research process. This book also critically evaluates research production as well as the expectations placed on researchers by funders, the academic system and end users, arguing that from inception to completion, researchers need to pay attention to how their work could and should be used. Extending Social Research rigorously examines the assertion that effective evidence-based social research can influence policy and practice and provides key reading for all those with an interest in the outcomes of research work, including funders, policy makers and researchers.