6 New Educational Research Books Reshaping the Field in 2025

After decades of evolving qualitative research, Elaine Keane and Robert Thornberg present this handbook as a guide through the nuances of Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) in education. The book dives into practical applications of CGT across different educational levels, from primary schools to universities, illustrating how researchers adapt traditional grounded theory to fit constructivist paradigms. You’ll find detailed chapters explaining methodological challenges and solutions, alongside case studies from a diverse international cohort of scholars. This makes it especially useful if you’re navigating CGT for the first time or seeking ways to refine your qualitative research practice with a constructivist lens.

Mary E. Little and Dena D. Slanda bring their expertise to clarify how educators can harness data-driven decision-making within the framework of action research. This book unpacks the complex process of integrating multiple assessment sources to inform instruction and interventions, particularly within multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). You’ll find concrete examples and phases that guide you through applying evidence-based strategies to enhance academic and social-emotional outcomes, especially in special education contexts. The authors focus on empowering educators—including teachers and school psychologists—to actively shape instructional and programmatic decisions through systematic data use, making it a practical tool for those navigating current education policies.

This tailored book explores the latest advances shaping educational research in 2025, focusing on emerging trends and discoveries tailored to your interests and background. It examines cutting-edge concepts and developments, revealing how new knowledge transforms understanding of teaching and learning. By focusing on your specific goals, this personalized guide offers an engaging exploration of contemporary research topics, including data-driven decision-making, mixed methods, and innovations in educational theory. Designed to match your experience and curiosity, the book navigates the evolving landscape of educational research with clarity and enthusiasm. It reveals how fresh insights can inform practical applications, keeping you ahead of the curve in this dynamic field.

After analyzing numerous meta-analyses, Nathaniel Hansford developed a guide that helps you navigate the often confusing world of educational research with clarity. You'll learn how to critically evaluate teaching methods using evidence from reading, math, and learning sciences, including insights on cooperative learning, growth mindset, and constructivist teaching. The book breaks down complex topics like meta-analysis, intelligence testing, and differentiation into understandable chapters, such as how to interpret research and apply action research frameworks. If you're a K–12 educator seeking to align classroom practice with proven scientific principles, this book offers a grounded way to enhance your teaching strategy and confidence.

Drawing from decades as a scholar deeply engaged with culturally diverse communities, Donna M. Mertens offers a thoughtful exploration of research methodologies that goes beyond numbers and narratives alone. You’ll gain clarity on integrating quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods within educational and psychological research, with each chapter breaking down complex steps alongside real published studies. The book’s emphasis on diversity challenges you to consider context and culture in your evaluations, making it particularly useful if you work with varied populations or seek a nuanced grasp of research design. While it’s detailed enough for graduate students and professionals, educators and psychologists looking to enrich their approach to research will find it especially rewarding.

What started as a collective exploration by Rosalind Hampton, Sefanit Habtom, and Joanna L. Williams became a nuanced dialogue on how Blackness is understood within educational research. This book goes beyond traditional theory by weaving personal narratives with academic discourse, offering readers insight into the intersection of identity, pedagogy, and social justice. You’ll encounter diverse perspectives that challenge prevailing assumptions and invite you to engage in more vulnerable, reflective conversations about race and inequality in education. If you want to deepen your understanding of Black Studies in Education and its impact on reducing disparities for Black youth, this volume provides thoughtful provocations rather than easy answers.

This tailored book explores innovative research design techniques specifically crafted for educational research, focusing on your unique background and goals. It reveals how to design future-ready studies that incorporate the latest 2025 developments and discoveries. By emphasizing emerging knowledge and cutting-edge insights, the content matches your specific interests and skill level, allowing you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. The book examines new approaches to research questions, data analysis, and study frameworks that reflect current trends and future directions in education. With this personalized guide, you gain a deeper understanding of how to create impactful, forward-thinking research tailored to your needs.

When Eugenie A. Samier and Eman S. ElKaleh explore research methods for educational administration and leadership, they challenge conventional Western-centric approaches. Their work focuses on how multicultural and non-Western contexts reshape research practices, emphasizing culturally sensitive frameworks such as storytelling and sharing circles. You’ll gain insights into adapting data collection, interpretive methods, and ethics to reflect diverse political systems and cultural values, especially within Indigenous and East Asian communities. This book suits scholars and practitioners aiming to conduct educational research that honors cultural complexity and strives for more authentic, spatially just findings, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all methodologies.