TSL 6900: Research Seminar in TESOL: Books

Specifically written for researchers and students with a fundamental knowledge of focus group research, the book gives numerous examples of what researchers should and should not do in designing their own research projects. In addition, it critically examines the limits of focus groups and suggests how to use focus groups for nontraditional research tasks.

Case Study Research: Principles and Practices aims to provide a general understanding of the case study method as well as specific tools for its successful implementation. Topics include the definition of a 'case study,' the strengths and weaknesses of this distinctive method, strategies for choosing cases, an experimental template for understanding research design, and the role of singular observations in case study research.

This step-by-step handbook guides beginning researchers through the stages of planning and implementing case studies. Starting with how to establish a rationale for conducting a systematic case study and identifying literature that informs the research effort, this indispensable resource shows students how to determine an appropriate research design and conduct informative interviews, observations and document analyses.

Expanding and adding to the research presented at the International Conference on Questionnaire Development, Evaluation and Testing Methods, this title presents the most up-to-date knowledge in this burgeoning field. The only book dedicated to the evaluation and testing of survey questionnaires, this practical reference work brings together the expertise of over fifty leading, international researchers from a broad range of fields.

One of the most common methods of data collection in second language research is using questionnaires of various kinds. In spite of the wide application of questionnaires in the second language field, there does not seem to be sufficient awareness in the profession about the theory of questionnaire design and processing. The book is motivated by very practical purposes, namely to help researchers to increase the efficiency of their questionnaires and to avoid possible pitfalls.

The highly readable Common Errors in Statistics (and How to Avoid Them) lays a mathematically rigorous and readily accessible foundation for understanding statistical procedures, problems, and solutions. This handy field guide analyzes common mistakes, debunks popular myths, and helps readers to choose the best and most effective statistical technique for each of their tasks.

′This book should prove to be an important addition to the relatively few publications that exist on statistical thinking. It very nicely encourages the reader to take an active learning approach through simultaneously promoting pedagogy with knowledge and skills enhancement in statistics. Understanding what the subject is for and what it can do are crucial in statistical education - by getting the reader to think statistically Mr Graham has provided us with a very readable book that helps to dispel the poor reputation that statistics has acquired over many years′ - Professor Neville Davies, Director, Royal Statistical Society Centre for Statistical Education, Nottingham Trent University Statistics is a key area of the school mathematics curriculum where maths and the real world meet. Although potentially a subject where teaching can be motivating and relevant to everyday concerns, it is often seen as boring and involving largely mechanical calculations. This book will enable teachers and others interested in statistical thinking to become excited and inspired by the big ideas of statistics and, in turn, teach them enthusiastically learners. Designed to heighten awareness of statistical ideas, the book explores key themes within statistics using ideas developed by the influential team at The Open University′s Centre for Mathematics Education. Themes include: · Measurement · Variation · Randomness · Uncertainty Arranged in an accessible task-based format, this is an essential text for all secondary maths teachers and students of maths education. It is a comprehensive book that will illuminate and inspire interest in the subject, based on innovative use of ICT, engaging narrative, firm research and good practice. Developing Thinking in Statistics is a set book on the Open University Course ME626 Developing Statistical Thinking, part of the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics Education.

In this introductory text, author Frederick L. Coolidge shows how statistics needn't be difficult or dull. Statistics: A Gentle Introduction is specifically designed to reduce students' anxieties and minimize unnecessary formulas while providing a comprehensive review of basic statistical designs and analyses through the use of interesting, real world examples.

The Tao of Statistics provides a new approach to statistics in plain English. Unlike other introductions to statistics, this text explains what statistics mean and how they are used, rather than how to calculate them. The book walks readers through basic concepts, as well as some of the most complex statistical models in use.

Visual Statistics brings the most complex and advanced statistical methods within reach of those with little statistical training by using animated graphics of the data. An emphasis is placed on a paradigm for understanding data that is visual, intuitive, geometric, and active, rather than one that relies on convoluted logic, heavy mathematics, systems of algebraic equations, or passive acceptance of results.