Exploring Educational Research Literacy

Gary Shank · Launcelot Brown

Oct 2013 · Routledge

About this ebook

Exploring Educational Research Literacy offers beginning classroom teachers a comprehensive introduction to the topic of educational research literacy—that is, the ability to read educational research articles in a systemic and critical way. Many beginning teacher education students are expected to be familiar with the latest research in their field, but are not necessarily researchers themselves. In fact, many new students have had little exposure to educational research.

In this accessible text, Gary Shank and Launcelot Brown give students step-by-step guidance through the often baffling process of learning a new 'language' of research methods. Using clear and friendly language, and employing simple articles created to introduce students to important ideas in an engaging manner, Exploring Educational Research Literacy gives students the tools to shift from being passive consumers of research to active and critical readers capable of evaluating research and judging the usefulness of the findings for educational practice.

Features include:

• Downloadable resources including ten real research articles and eight "training" articles: Each lets students practice their research literacy skills and includes a list of questions to guide students in their reading"

• 'Practice Makes Perfect': end of the chapter reflection activities that prompt students to apply research skills described in each chapter
• Article Literacy Checklist: a guide to help students read research articles critically
• Glossary of key terms
• Clear and engaging style: Exploring Educational Research Literacy is written so that even students who are new to educational research can gain a clear understanding of and ability to apply the special skills needed to read research articles

About the author

Gary Shank is a Professor of Educational Research at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. His specialties include research literacy, qualitative research methodology, and semiotic theory. His research interests focus on learning in informal settings, and has worked with a number of settings including the Smithsonian Institution.

Launcelot Brown is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership at Duquesne University. He teaches courses in statistics for the behavioral sciences and research methods and design.