This book provides students with a sound theoretical understanding along with the practical knowledge and skills needed to carry out independent research in the field of education.
Designed to introduce students to the process of scientific research in education, Research Methods in Education goes beyond explaining the methods of empirical data collection and analysis. It encourages students and researchers to contextualise their knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative research designs by drawing links between the research question and the underlying theoretical framework.
This book identifies key research methodologies, data collection tools (e.g., sampling and hypotheses testing), and data analysis methods, and focuses on the comparisons between them. Each chapter highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the key research methods.
Key Features:
· Numerous examples interspersed throughout the text exemplify the role of educational research in educational policy making across the globe.
· Each chapter comprises robust pedagogical features including short examples, detailed case studies, lists of key terms and suggested readings, and so on.
· Self-test exercises are spread throughout the text to aid understanding and easy-recollection of the topics learnt.
· Demonstrates the importance and ideal sequence of each of the research activities.
Wang Li is currently Professor and Deputy Director at UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED) in Beijing, China. Originally qualifying as an engineer in the area of water resources, then studied at United Nations University (UNU) in Geothermal Utilization, and then did his PhD in Comparative Study from Australia. He was employed by the Agricultural University of Hebei as a teaching assistant; then lecturer, Associate Professor and full Professor in 1995. In 1994 he was one of the persons responsible for setting up the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED). In 1996, after consultation with UNESCO headquarters, he was appointed by the Chinese Government as Deputy Director of INRULED in charge of Research, Training, Information and Exchange programs. His areas of interest include Rural Education and Rural Development, Adult Education and Lifelong Learning, Water Resources, Rural and Town Planning and Geothermal Utilisation. He has also held the UNESCO Chair on Literacy and Adult Education and Training since 1995. He has contributed to more than 60 books and papers, undertaken about 50 international research projects and organised/participated in more than 100 international conferences, symposia, forums, and workshops. Wang Li has represented INRULED and Chinese Ministry of Commerce in projects in Cambodia and Pakistan and in many international conferences, forums and meetings. Peng Liping is currently Associate Professor and Director, International Center for Teacher Education, and Deputy Chief, Basic Education and Further Education, East China Normal University. A resident of Shanghai, Dr Peng Liping has been handling varied academic and administrative positions over the last 30 years. He is the former editor of the Chinese version of Prospect published by the UNESCO International Bureau of Education. He has also been involved in a number of prestigious translation projects involving translation of classic English texts in various subject areas to ChineseQutub Khan (30 June 1947–3 December 2017) started his career as an Associate Professor of Economics in Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and Delhi University in 1967. After working for about 10 years, he joined UNESCO International Institute for Education Planning (UNESCO–IIEP) in 1979 as a Consultant. He worked at UNESCO headquarters and its regional and field offices and retired from UNESCO in 2009 as the Regional EFA and Literacy Coordinator for the Arab States. During his service with UNESCO, he participated in several international and national conferences, prepared policy documents and provided technical assistance to the Member States of UNESCO. Dr Khan used to live in New Delhi and was an advisor to INRULED before his untimely demise in 2017.
