Action Research for Teachers: Traveling the Yellow Brick Road

by Mary Louise Holly, Joanne Arhar, Wendy C. Kasten

This book serves as a practical guide to conducting action research in educational settings. Unique in approach, it weaves wonderful metaphors from the Wizard of Oz throughout its entirety—literally taking readers on an exciting journey with Dorothy and her friends to discover all facets of action research. Offering step-by-step guidance through the action research process, complete coverage of theories, and plenty of real-life examples, it equips teachers with the tools they will need to successfully conduct their own action research. In addition, three theoretical/foundational chapters present four action research studies representing a variety of circumstances, grade levels, age groups, and disciplines. For practicing teachers and student teachers.

Genres: Nonfiction

391 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Mary Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

an easy guide to follow, but the extended metaphor of the traveler's journey is a bit much.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not to the most interesting book in the world. I don't really feel like it's worth all the money you have to pay for it. The Yellow Brick Road metaphor DEFINITELY gets old after a while and a lot of this just seemed super redundant. If you have to take an action research class, try to share this book with someone. You can skim through the readings quickly and this is one of those books you won't want to keep once you're done.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This textbook does a good job of defining all of the different types of action research and explaining step by step how to set up your own case study. I liked all of the examples other teachers have conducted which were included. However, all of the analogies and references to The Wizard of Oz got old, fast.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for a grad class; this was the worst textbook so far. Not user friendly and so damn dry!