Karyn Cooper – författare

This volume describes and discusses some of the intricacies associated with qualitative research in this post-modern era. It is the second of a two-volume set. It strives to define terms, identifies paradigms, methodologies and approaches that are applicable to novice and expert researchers alike. The book pays special attention to the biographies of those individuals who have helped to shape and develop these methodologies or research designs. In addition, consideration is given to historical and political underpinnings that relate to the development of qualitative research methodologies. Each research design is described in detail and the similarities and differences among them are explored. This volume makes use of a contextual approach to research and features interviews with scholars who have assisted in developing such methodologies. Of interest are numerous features such as questions for further study and annotated bibliographies that extend the scope of each of the methodologies described.

Contributors to this volume examine structures and processes that school boards have in place directly relating to the process of principal or vice-principal succession. As well, they consider the effect that these structures and processes have upon staff and administrators themselves. These contributors investigate policies, procedures and practices that school boards employ in terms of leadership succession, and explore implications of these constructs for the sustainability of school improvement. This volume presents an overview of the process of principal or vice-principal succession, descriptions of school district practices surrounding this process and discussions regarding how succession procedures affect individuals and groups of individuals. This volume also highlights those board policies that incorporate practices used to develop models that support and allow administrators to succeed. It articulates how school leaders and staff members deal with change and improvement efforts in successive schools, as well as how board policies and practices support principals and vice-principals at any stage in the succession process. This volume is useful as a reference guide relating to transfer and rotation procedures in school systems across the nation.

Qualitative Research is changing as a result of postmodern influences which have changed the way research is interpreted and understood. This has prompted questions which have been knocking at the door of qualitative research for some time now: Who is the researcher in this research account? How does the researcher relate to his/her research? How can the researcher who reads qualitative research relate to and understand the nuances and complexities in qualitative research? How can this volume help us to, not only describe, effect and manage change, but help us to understand, imagine and affect policies, practices and procedures related to research? What can we learn from researchers at the top of their stride who have struggled in order to develop qualitative research?

The book includes illustrative interviews with world famous scholars. William Pinar, Norman Denzin, Henry Giroux, Zygmunt Bauman and Maxine Greene invite the student to engage reflectively and to figure out the rudiments and connections of research methodology and methods for theses.

The developed so called “The Five Contexts” serves as a theoretical framework for conducting, understanding and interpreting qualitative research in a variety of disciplines in this post-modern era .