Understanding research in early education : the relevance for the future of lessons from the past (2nd ed)

Underpinning the wide variety of new government initiatives, and the implementation of new practice and policy in early years education, is the influence research has had upon thinking from government level to the educational practitioners themselves. "Understanding Research in Early Childhood Education" examines and discusses both recent and historical research in an understandable yet rigorous language, and evaluates a wide variety of large and small-scale research reports and projects.

The research is set in its historical context and relates to recent reports and issues.

The author illustrates how to avoid common pitfalls in misrepresenting research findings, what questions should be asked in order to help inform students' own research projects, and how findings can be applied and used in the classroom or nursery to improve practice.

Divided into clear sections, this book looks into: * language and the homes of young children * research in preschool units * continuity, communication and learning in early education * what can be learned from children who succeed?Suitable for beginners in this field, the book will prove an invaluable and fascinating read for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking courses in early years education, and practitioners undertaking continuing professional development.