Research on Educational Innovations

By Arthur K. Ellis, John B. Bond, Leanna B. Aker

Book Overview

For more than 25 years, Research on Educational Innovations has helped readers distinguish between truly innovative educational programs backed by credible research evidence and the faddish policy trends of the day. Innovation should be a facet of school life, but improvement should be a continuous process grounded in sound evaluation, not a cycle of fashionable reforms.

Using current and emerging topics as practical case studies, this fully revised and expanded 6th Edition offers a clear framework for evaluating educational innovations, for applying them responsibly in real contexts, and for interrogating the research base behind any new program or policy. Across the book, readers learn to ask disciplined questions about purpose, evidence quality, implementation conditions, and equity of outcomes, so that adoption decisions are guided by research rather than rhetoric.

Features of the fully revised and expanded 6th Edition include:

A strong evaluation framework that helps both experts and novices make reasonable assessments as informed consumers of research and innovation claims. Practical case studies on innovations shaping teaching and learning today, including collaborative and cooperative learning, differentiated instruction, interdisciplinary education, the future of e-learning, and outdoor learning. A focus on technology- and resource-related innovations now influencing everyday schooling, including artificial intelligence in education, personalized learning, open educational resources (OER) as curricula, changing teacher and student roles, and unplugged learning. Sustained attention to human development and future aims, including educational neuroscience, social and emotional learning, digital equity, social justice, and entrepreneurship education. End-of-Chapter Questions that help readers connect ideas to their classrooms, schools, and communities.

Combining theory with practice, Research on Educational Innovations, 6th Edition is important reading for students and scholars in Educational Research, Curriculum and Instruction, Assessment, and Educational Leadership and Policy interested in the emerging future of teaching, learning, and evaluation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1041039832
• ISBN13: 9781041039839
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 318 Pages

Customer Reviews

Educational Innovations

Great reference on the current topics in education. The book is very easy to read and not too technical. The reader can easily follow the flow of thoughts of the author. The author has explained very well the differences among educational philosophies. He was able to do so by narrating the historical background of the leading contributors to education and how they came up with these various educational practices. I now understand how some statistical methods were developed and used. Statistical books sometimes do not give distinctions on the methods and leave you confused or frustrated. This book gives you clarity, confidence and courage on how to develop your own teaching style and strategies. These traits are important the moment you accept your teaching assignment and encounter your students.

Consumer reports for education policy makers

I agree with the publisher's summary of this compact compendium. I particularly appreciate its lucid explanation of what different levels of research are and aren't--helpful to educators and non-educators alike for deciding perhaps what innovations would best serve the community. It is particularly good exposing some of the assumptions that are shared in the press about some 'best practices', and about the background of some ideas that have taken the country by storm and become standard without having any research or theoretical base. I would add that it is a very readable book for being primarily a reference to other works, with a voice that is very conversational without sacrificing any of its scholarly authority. It is even opinionated about forming opinions. The book does not have as slick a look as some, which kind of adds to its authenticity as an earnest effort to get the facts out there so you can make up your own mind. You will, too, for they actually teach you how to consider the evidence and form a conclusion. I would think this will be updated every couple years. It should be a standard reference for school board members as well as all those master of education courses.