This book is a straightforward, no-nonsense guide to a research method that can be used by educators to increase student learning, student self-esteem, and quality of school life in the classroom. This user-friendly book covers the principles and history of action research, ethical and legal considerations, methods for conducting both formal and informal action research, data collection methods, analysis and interpretation, action planning and initiation, and results evaluation. The author includes numerous examples, strategies, and illustrations that can be applied to elementary and secondary schools as well as university settings. Contents include: (1) The Nature of Educational Research; (2) Action Research; (3) Data Collection Methods; (4) Data Analysis and Interpretation; (5) Solving Problems and Taking Action; (6) Evaluating Action Research; and (7) Conducting Action Research. Foreword by J. Dennis Hastert and an introduction are also included.