Learning to Read Critically in Educational Leadership and Management

`This is a book that should be regarded as essential reading for those students following courses in education and social policy, particularly as masters level '- International Journal of Educational Management

`I bought this book just a few days ago and I was surprised to realise the simple and yet scientific way it is written! I have started my postgraduate studies in Educational Management and this book will definitely make things easier! I would like to cordially thank Professor Wallace and Mrs Louise Poulson for this book which will help the majority of the students who enter the "labyrinth" of postgraduate research and surely need a kind of instruction manual to start! ' - Amazon Review

`One of the most useful books that I have come across for my students' - Professor Les Bell, Director of Doctorate of Education, University of Leicester

`Very impressed with the first chapter. Have recommended it to our research department for use with our graduate students. Thorough and practical' - Philip Hallinger, Executive Director of the College of Management, Mahidol University, Thailand

This unique book combines the teaching quality of a text with exemplary reports of small-scale and larger research studies, as well as a literature review by leading academics.

Part One shows how to develop as a critical reader and self-critical writer of literature; and how to apply these insights in planning a written assignment, dissertation or thesis. The book provides a framework for the critical analysis of any text, and shows how to incorporate this in a literature review.

Part Two presents accounts of leading-edge research, offering insights into key issues in the field of educational leadership, management and administration. The reader is invited to practice literature review skills by applying the critical analysis questions to any research report. Readers can use the models of good research practice presented here in their own design of an investigation for a dissertation or thesis.

Part Three shows how a high quality literature review may be constructed and addresses a key issue in the field.

Contributors include:

Sharon Kruse

. Karen Seashore Louis

Kenneth Leithwood

Phillip Hallinger and Ronald Heck

Derek Glover and Rosalind Levacic

Ray Bolam

This book will be useful to postgraduate students o...