Learning to Research and Researching to Learn

Annette Hilton was Associate Professor of Research Leadership at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and remains associated with UTS in an honorary capacity. She was a secondary school teacher and head of department for 20 years. She was previously Associate Professor of Science Education at the Danish School of Education, Aarhus University, Copenhagen. Geoff Hilton is a Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Queensland, where he teaches in the undergraduate and masters programs for initial teacher education. He was a primary school teacher for many years before completing his PhD and moving to academia.

• 1. Introduction to education research and practitioner research: what is it and why do it?; 2. The decision to research: what is involved?; 3. Conducting practitioner research in school contexts: considerations, practicalities and ethics; 4. Engaging with research: reading and critiquing literature; 5. Approaches to study design: from research question to planning the research process; 6. Data collection instruments: designing and administering; 7. Organising and analysing data; 8. Synthesis and discussion of findings; 9. Disseminating practitioner research; 10. Challenges, opportunities and outcomes of practitioner research; 11. Professionalism