Edited by Linda Miller, Rose Drury and Robin Campbell (David Fulton, 15, 020 8996 3618)
Reviewed by Denni Morrison, lecturer in psychology and child development at Hertford Regional College This is a very useful book, demonstrated by the number of times it has been borrowed by my colleagues.
It is excellent to use with students who are starting on their research projects. The inclusion of social issues as well as education means it will also be relevant for Health and Social Care students.
The first part looks at exploring curriculum issues. In each short chapter, research issues are set out in clear and easily understandable language that should not prove too difficult for the better level 3 students as well as those on level 4 courses. Areas covered include literacy, mathematical skills, drawing and history. Throughout the chapters the authors have included plenty of case studies that will be a useful for teaching sessions.
The second part explores issues of inclusion and covers subjects such as bilingual children, deaf children, and health inequalities in early childhood.
There is also a useful chapter giving a clear overview of how to choose a research topic and design the study. The reader is taken through the process step by step, from choosing the topic and formulating the research question to looking at ethical considerations and running a pilot study.
I particularly liked the conclusions at the end of most chapters, as I find this is an area where my students tend to struggle. Being able to read other conclusions to research should help them enormously.
