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.

Based on interviews with over 150 young people in education and training, this book reflects on their perspectives on the issues and challenges the education and training offered them. In doing so it is able to develop a comprehensive - and inclusive - response to policy and suggestions for improvements, particularly in the field of vocational education. Primarily based on UK research, the book will integrate some more generic analysis and introduce international comparisons.

This book is an introduction to the issues and practicalities of using multimedia in classrooms - both primary and secondary, and across a range of subject areas. The book draws on material from a range of case studies and focuses on areas of concern for teachers and researchers.
Using IT effectively continues to be a problem for many teachers, and there is still a long way to go toward organising this properly. The book takes a thorough look at IT in the school, discussing and examining issues such as:
* IT and the National Curriculum
* foreign language teaching
* differing curricular needs
* opportunities and constraints of groupwork
* talking books and primary reading
* ways in which multimedia supports readers.
The book also looks at some of the more philosophical issues such as the implications of home-computers and the limits of independent learning, and the notion of "edutainment" - the relationship of motivation and enjoyment to learning.
Finally, the book makes comparisons across the curriculum and between primary and secondary sectors and raises questions about the future of IT in schools, arguing that teachers should make a significant contribution to decisions about future development.


eBook available with sample pages: 0203441303

What is educational research? What are its current approaches, methods and methodologies? How should existing literature be reviewed and evaluated critically? What are the key philosophical debates in and on educational research? How should research in education be conducted and how should it be presented? And what is the value of such research?With this extensively revised edition of a much-admired and engaging guide, Jerry Wellington provides clear and constructive answers to these questions, complete with detailed advice on methods such as interviewing, surveys, documentary research and the use of focus groups. Thoroughly overhauled and updated, this edition includes new case studies, helpful 'key theories' and 'key theorist' boxes, and a range of activities or 'points to ponder' to foster engagement with current issues. Retaining the clarity and concision of the previous edition, and its approachable and practical style, Jerry Wellington provides an invaluable text for all those engaged in educational research.

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.

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.

This book provides an overview of ninety key concepts which often trouble those who are new to researching within the social sciences. It covers theories of knowledge, methodologies and methods. Each entry offers a definition of a concept, shows how researchers have used that concept in their research and discusses difficulties that the concept presents. The book supports those undertaking their own social research projects by providing detailed critical commentary on key concepts in a particularly accessible way. In exploring these concepts, a wide range of research reports across many different fields are described. These include not only classic accounts, but also a broad selection of recent studies, some written by new researchers. The book will be useful for higher-education students carrying out projects within social science faculties at the end of their first degree or during a master's programme, though it will also be helpful for those undertaking doctoral research, and some entries have been written with the production of a thesis in mind. This second edition of Research Methods: The Key Concepts provides a more comprehensive and up-to-date coverage, as old entries have been updated and 19 new entries added. It helps new researchers to navigate the changing landscape of social research by recognising a) the changes in the ways researchers are thinking about knowledge and acquiring knowledge, b) the increasing use of digital tools to collect data, and c) the desire many contemporary researchers feel to promote social justice through their research.

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.

Based on interviews with over 150 young people in education and training, this volume reflects on their perspectives on the issues and challenges that education and training have to offer.

This book provides an overview of ninety key concepts which often trouble those who are new to researching within the social sciences. It covers theories of knowledge, methodologies and methods. Each entry offers a definition of a concept, shows how researchers have used that concept in their research and discusses difficulties that the concept presents. The book supports those undertaking their own social research projects by providing detailed critical commentary on key concepts in a particularly accessible way. In exploring these concepts, a wide range of research reports across many different fields are described. These include not only classic accounts, but also a broad selection of recent studies, some written by new researchers. The book will be useful for higher-education students carrying out projects within social science faculties at the end of their first degree or during a master's programme, though it will also be helpful for those undertaking doctoral research, and some entries have been written with the production of a thesis in mind. This second edition of Research Methods: The Key Concepts provides a more comprehensive and up-to-date coverage, as old entries have been updated and 19 new entries added. It helps new researchers to navigate the changing landscape of social research by recognising a) the changes in the ways researchers are thinking about knowledge and acquiring knowledge, b) the increasing use of digital tools to collect data, and c) the desire many contemporary researchers feel to promote social justice through their research.

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.

This handy guide for new and practising lecturers and researchers takes a rare insider's look at the activities of writing and publishing. Turning the spotlight inwards, it examines how and why professionals communicate with each other through writing and publishing. Written with great verve and pace, the author succeeds in providing sensible advice bolstered by many illustrative examples, case studies and anecdotes. For the academic needing insight into the serious business of getting published, this book will provide answers to many of their frequent questions: * Why do they write and publish? * Who are they writing for? * What channels of communication are available for their writing? * Who 'controls' these channels? * How can they successfully submit articles and papers to journals and newspapers, contribute chapters to books, or approach publishers with book proposals? Developed from a series of seminars on the subject by the author, this book will be an enjoyable and informative guide to anyone with an interest in getting their work published.

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.

This attractive poster of science keywords will be welcome on the walls of any primary classroom. Containing all of the key words covered by the National Curriculum, this versatile resource will be a useful reference as: * a spell check or spelling aid * stimulus for science writing * developing science-specific sight vocabulary The poster is accompanied by a booklet which contains useful ideas on how to use the wordbank in class, plus a photocopiable A4 sized wordbank - ideal for individual reference.

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.

Concise, engaging and accessible, Education Research: The Basics discusses key ideas about the nature and purpose of education research: what it can and cannot achieve, how it has been used in the past and where and how it has an impact. Providing crucial insight into the work of education researchers, this book: Offers seven chapters, each representing a way of understanding the goals and methods of research conducted in the field Considers key thinkers in the field, such as Plato, Hirsch, Dewey, Montessori and Freire Explores case studies from a range of perspectives Provides key terms and further reading throughout The perfect pocket resource to dip into, Education Research: The Basics provides accessible support for those studying education as a subject, for practitioners concerned with developing their practice and for anyone who wants to know more about education and how it is researched.

This book is an introduction to the issues and practicalities of using multimedia in classrooms - both primary and secondary, and across a range of subject areas. The book draws on material from a range of case studies and focuses on areas of concern for teachers and researchers. Using IT effectively continues to be a problem for many teachers, and there is still a long way to go toward organising this properly. The book takes a thorough look at IT in the school, discussing and examining issues such as: IT and the National Curriculum foreign language teaching differing curricular needs opportunities and constraints of groupwork talking books and primary reading ways in which multimedia supports readers. The book also looks at some of the more philosophical issues such as the implications of home-computers and the limits of independent learning, and the notion of "edutainment" - the relationship of motivation and enjoyment to learning. Finally, the book makes comparisons across the curriculum and between primary and secondary sectors and raises questions about the future of IT in schools, arguing that teachers should make a significant contribution to decisions about future development.

Science education has changed radically in recent years, both as a result of debates within the subject and because of curriculum legislation. Jerry Wellington discusses the major issues in science education today - such questions as the balance of content and process in the curriculum, the role of practical work and the nature of science as a subject. He uses this discussion to support a very practical resource for teachers in training and their mentors. The book covers every aspect of science teaching, including: planning; differentiation and special needs; assessment; practical work; problem-solving and investigations; IT in science; handling sensitive issues, such as sex education; and building on children's prior learning. Througout, Wellington's guidance is accompanied by suggestions for discussion, activities for individual and group use and annotated lists of further reading aimed at helping the reader to build up a personal apprach to the teaching of the subject. Students should also find useful the glossaries of specialist terminology at the end of each chapter, and the references to National Curriculum attainment targets at every point in the book.

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.

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.

Contents:
1. Why publish? 2. What might you publish about? 3. Writing and the writing process 4. Publishing in journals 5. Book publishing 6. Practical guidance on writing 7. Future publishing Appendix 1. Reflections on the writing process Appendix 2. Interviews with journal editors Appendix 3. Survey of publishers by e-mail

Concise, engaging and accessible, Education Research: The Basics discusses key ideas about the nature and purpose of education research: what it can and cannot achieve, how it has been used in the past and where and how it has an impact. Providing crucial insight into the work of education researchers, this book: Offers seven chapters, each representing a way of understanding the goals and methods of research conducted in the field Considers key thinkers in the field, such as Plato, Hirsch, Dewey, Montessori and Freire Explores case studies from a range of perspectives Provides key terms and further reading throughout The perfect pocket resource to dip into, Education Research: The Basics provides accessible support for those studying education as a subject, for practitioners concerned with developing their practice and for anyone who wants to know more about education and how it is researched.

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 in secondary schools has tended to be viewed mainly as a 'practical subject', and language and literacy in science education have been neglected. But learning the language of science is a major part of science education: every science lesson is a language lesson, and language is a major barrier to most school students in learning science. This accessible book explores the main difficulties in the language of science and examines practical ways to aid students in retaining, understanding, reading, speaking and writing scientific language.

Jerry Wellington and Jonathan Osborne draw together and synthesize current good practice, thinking and research in this field. They use many practical examples, illustrations and tried-and-tested materials to exemplify principles and to provide guidelines in developing language and literacy in the learning of science. They also consider the impact that the growing use of information and communications technology has had, and will have, on writing, reading and information handling in science lessons.

The authors argue that paying more attention to language in science classrooms is one of the most important acts in improving the quality of science education. This is a significant and very readable book for all student and practising secondary school science teachers, for science advisers and school mentors.

What is educational research? What are its current approaches, methods and methodologies? How should existing literature be reviewed and evaluated critically? What are the key philosophical debates in and on educational research? How should research in education be conducted and how should it be presented? And what is the value of such research?With this extensively revised edition of a much-admired and engaging guide, Jerry Wellington provides clear and constructive answers to these questions, complete with detailed advice on methods such as interviewing, surveys, documentary research and the use of focus groups. Thoroughly overhauled and updated, this edition includes new case studies, helpful 'key theories' and 'key theorist' boxes, and a range of activities or 'points to ponder' to foster engagement with current issues. Retaining the clarity and concision of the previous edition, and its approachable and practical style, Jerry Wellington provides an invaluable text for all those engaged in educational research.