Review
"The literacy field has been deeply divided, with no differences more profound, perhaps, than those emanating from our use of richly varied tools of inquiry. Duke and Mallette provide an excellent resource for making sense of this embarrassment of riches--because that’s what these methodological tools are--and for seeing how a commitment to the rigorous and appropriate use of research methods can both increase our understanding of literacy and create synergies across the varied ways of looking. This is a very useful volume, indeed."--Timothy Shanahan, PhD, College of Education, University of Illinois at Chicago

"This is an exceptional volume. At a time when the importance of research has never been greater, this book by two prominent young scholars will increase the rigor of work in our field. Every literacy researcher and every graduate student will discover new insights within these chapters. The book brings fresh perspectives to our work while staying grounded in longstanding epistemological traditions. This is a 'must read' for all scholars serious about improving the level of research in literacy education."--Donald J. Leu, Jr., PhD, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut

"A testament to the multifaceted qualities of literacy, this volume magnificently exhibits a grand array of literacy research methods. From the neurobiological laboratory to the national survey, experts explain the 'hows' and 'whys' of inquiry into literacy. For researchers, this book stands as a fine compilation of tools of the trade. For students, this guide will be safe for the novice, challenging for the expert, and irreplaceable in graduate training."--John T. Guthrie, PhD, Department of Human Development, University of Maryland



Book Description
Balanced and authoritative, this volume brings together leading experts to present 13 methodologies widely used in literacy research. Following a consistent format, each chapter describes the methodology at hand, identifies the types of questions and claims for which it is well suited, delineates clear standards for quality, and presents one or more exemplary studies using the methodology. Guiding readers to choose wisely from available methodologies when designing their own research endeavors--and to understand the contributions that each mode of inquiry can generate--this is an essential text for graduate students in literacy. It is also an ideal resource for more experienced researchers seeking to build their skills for utilizing or evaluating particular approaches.



About the Author
Nell K. Duke, EdD, is Associate Professor of Teacher Education and Learning, Technology, and Culture at Michigan State University, East Lansing. Her research focuses on early literacy development, particularly among children living in urban poverty. Her specific areas of expertise include the development of informational literacies in young children, comprehension teaching and learning in early schooling, approaches to addressing the needs of struggling reader/n-/writers, and issues of equity in literacy education. She has used a variety of research methodologies in her own work and teaches courses on research design. Dr. Duke has a strong interest in the preparation of educational researchers and has published and presented on this topic.

Marla H. Mallette, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Her research interests include literacy teacher education, literacy instruction and learning with students of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and the convergence of early literacy and technology. She is very interested in research methodologies and has used various methodologies in her own work. Dr. Mallette has also published and presented on literacy research methodologies and the preparation of literacy researchers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Balanced and authoritative, this volume brings together leading experts to present 13 methodologies widely used in literacy research. Following a consistent format, each chapter describes the methodology at hand, identifies the types of questions and claims for which it is well suited, delineates clear standards for quality, and presents one or more exemplary studies using the methodology. Guiding readers to choose wisely from available methodologies when designing their own research endeavors -- and to understand the contributions that each mode of inquiry can generate -- this is an essential text for graduate students in literacy. It is also an ideal resource for more experienced researchers seeking to build their skills for utilizing or evaluating particular approaches.

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