Research Methods for Classroom Discourse

Description

Language, both spoken and written, is key to understanding learning processes in the classroom. Research Methods for Classroom Discourse is for those who want to investigate spoken interaction or other discourse in the classroom. It lays out clearly the different approaches which are possible, identifying the key principles of each. It addresses the differences between them and the consequences these differences might have for teachers and researchers. Each approach is outlined in terms of practical methods advice, reasons for use, and case studies in which the approach has been used in classroom discourse. Common approaches such as conversation analysis, positioning theory, and critical discourse analysis are included alongside more specialised approaches such as discursive psychology and corpus linguistics. The context of classroom research is used to frame all discussions, with connections to other uses and applications where it can enhance the research being undertaken. The authors demonstrate the relationship between these different theoretical approaches through considering particular applications to common topics within classroom research, such as multilingual learners, knowledge/ knowing and identity. The authors assume no prior knowledge of technical terms and a glossary of key term terms is included. Practical issues such as ethics, data collection and transcription are an integral part of the discussion throughout, providing students with all the knowledge needed to embark upon a successful research project in this area.

Jenni Ingram is Associate Professor of Education at the University of Oxford, UK. Victoria Elliott is Associate Professor of English and Literacy Education at the University of Oxford, UK.

[This] is a very lively, readable and engaging way into the complex world of researching classroom discourse and deserves to be a 'go-to' text for researchers and their supervisors ... A refreshing read for more experienced (classroom discourse) researchers as the juxtaposition of the different methods and approaches, the substantive topic areas suggested and the rich collection of case examples, all create the potential to spark new connections and research ideas, as is indeed what happened to the authors in writing the book. * Classroom Discourse * By dealing both with the theoretical background as well as the practicalities of doing research the book appeals to a wide audience. The teacher researcher as well as the novice researcher can use this book as a guide to designing their research, and both would certainly benefit from the practical advice. A more experienced researcher will also find this book useful when turning their attention to classroom discourse ... It is well written and easy to follow. It leaves the reader eager to know more. * International Journal of Research and Method in Education *