Using a step-by-step approach the book tackles common thorny issues such as:

• Understanding the different genres of research
• Discussion of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research
• The importance of forming research questions and of locating them within current research literature
• How to do a literature review
• Dealing with permissions, access and ethics
• The nuts and bolts of research methods
• Interpreting data and writing up research findings

This book is essential reading for students who are training to work in the lifelong learning sector or practitioners who are undertaking CPD to maintain their license to practice.

“Many teachers training in the lifelong learning sector, as well as those going on to do foundation, honours and masters degrees in education, find the prospect of carrying out educational research for the first time daunting. Thus far, they have been reliant on generic educational research textbooks. Jonathan Tummons’ and Vicky Duckworth’s excellent work now guides them clearly and supportively through the research journey in a way which is underpinned by the authors’ deep understanding of both the sector and nature of the challenge of the research task to the student, using an informal and accessible written style.”
Andy Armitage, Head of the Department of Post-Compulsory Education at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

“This book combines sound practical advice with an exploration of the philosophical and methodological concepts underpinning educational research. Often drawing on the authors’ own experiences, it makes a convincing case for the practitioner as researcher and draws clear and appropriate attention to the purposes, uses and dissemination of small scale research.”
Susan Wallace, Professor of Continuing Education, Nottingham Trent University, UK