This book seeks to find an appropriate balance between thoughtful consideration of issues related to qualitative research in education - methods, stances and standards - and practical 'how to' advice for beginning researchers. It includes 'School Stories': a compelling, 56 page, and research-based 'novel' of classroom life reflecting on a year in the life of a group of teachers and students. It is of interest to graduate students and faculty in educational research.

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Preface.- Acknowledgements.- One: Disciplined Inquiry in Chaotic Contexts.- Two: Fitting into the Field.- Three: But How Good is it?- Four: Measuring the Tale.- Five: Research Questions and Contexts.- Six: Expectations and Constraints.- Seven:Constructivism and the Nature of Science.- Eight: Places to Stand, Ways to Look.-School Stories: Prologue: Farewells. On the First Day. Teachers. Violence and Love. The Aggressive Uses of Irony. Trusting Tony. Depression, Incest and the Nature of Science. Divers Alarums. Happy Endings? Talking to Carolyn. Of Nurture and Curriculum. Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.- Nine: Tales of Different Kinds.- Ten: The Real World?-Eleven: Love and Life, Teaching and Learning.- Twelve: Where to from Here?-References.- Index.