In these dark times we need educational researchers to switch the light on. John Smyth and colleagues Barry Down, Peter McInerney and Rob Hattam have done that by invoking a challenging conversation. They share the doing of research, and this requires exchange, puzzles, and importantly a socially critical analysis of research as a practice. Importantly they have not only illuminated the vitality and practicality of doing democratic research, but they have done it for and with teachers, students and communities. If policymakers supported and acted on the practical intellectual work in the ideas, projects and methodologies outlined here then we might not only have an education system that enables children to succeed but also to experience humane teaching and learning. The contemporary historical focus on Smyth's contribution shows that research for and about equity is enduring, and while there are people who would like to pull the switch, the intellect and commitment shines. (Professor Helen Gunter, The University of Manchester)
While it is easy to find writing about critical research epistemology and methodology, it is harder to find good examples of critical studies. John Smyth is one of the exceptions. In this book, he and his colleagues eloquently share the accumulated wisdom of a career dedicated to doing critical research. (Professor Gary L. Anderson, New York University)
What a treasure trove of insights into critical democratic research are offered to readers within this rich and lively text. Through the authors' thoughtful reflection and dialogue based on actual educational research projects, they refuse to shy away from difficult - necessarily political - and sometimes messy social justice issues. I believe that engaging deeply with the important ideas and work of John Smyth in this volume will provide educational researchers with a renewed sense of urgency and relevance to their own critical projects. (Professor Darren E. Lund, University of Calgary)
In these dark times we need educational researchers to switch the light on. John Smyth and colleagues Barry Down, Peter McInerney and Rob Hattam have done that by invoking a challenging conversation. They share the doing of research, and this requires exchange, puzzles, and importantly a socially critical analysis of research as a practice. Importantly they have not only illuminated the vitality and practicality of doing democratic research, but they have done it for and with teachers, students and communities. If policymakers supported and acted on the practical intellectual work in the ideas, projects and methodologies outlined here then we might not only have an education system that enables children to succeed but also to experience humane teaching and learning. The contemporary historical focus on Smyth's contribution shows that research for and about equity is enduring, and while there are people who would like to pull the switch, the intellect and commitment shines. (Professor Helen Gunter, The University of Manchester)
While it is easy to find writing about critical research epistemology and methodology, it is harder to find good examples of critical studies. John Smyth is one of the exceptions. In this book, he and his colleagues eloquently share the accumulated wisdom of a career dedicated to doing critical research. (Professor Gary L. Anderson, New York University)
What a treasure trove of insights into critical democratic research are offered to readers within this rich and lively text. Through the authors' thoughtful reflection and dialogue based on actual educational research projects, they refuse to shy away from difficult - necessarily political - and sometimes messy social justice issues. I believe that engaging deeply with the important ideas and work of John Smyth in this volume will provide educational researchers with a renewed sense of urgency and relevance to their own critical projects. (Professor Darren E. Lund, University of Calgary)
