A discussion of classroom research to promote instructional improvement at the college level looks at how it can be effective in faculty development and describes several research projects. Issues in research promotion, design, and methodology and the feasibility of such projects in instructional development units are considered. (Author/MSE)

The article discusses the use of action research as a means of professional development. After describing action research and its benefits, the article explains the cyclical, collaborative process of action research, notes its possible applications, and presents implications for school reform. (SM)

This guide provides practical advice, based on research expertise, for teachers looking for reliable research results without waste of time or effort. The six sections of the guide present and discuss the decisions and actions that have to be taken to get good results: (1) the pros and cons of collecting information by questionnaire; (2) sampling;…

Offering a discussion for administrators and practitioners serving disabled and at-risk infants, toddlers, and their families, these three addresses explore issues, strategies, and models of program evaluation. "Major Issues in Program Evaluation," by Kathryn Barnard, discusses the purpose of, process of, and ways of doing program…

Describes an action research project, "Girls into Science and Technology" (GIST), which focuses on girls' subject choices in the first three years in their secondary schools in the north of England. Summarizes the initiatives taken by the GIST team and reviews research findings and project outcome. (ML)

Action research is, quite often, the method of enquiry employed by undergraduate and postgraduate students in higher education who are studying for accredited courses. In recent years, students studying for taught doctorate (EdD) degrees with their focus on practical aspects of education are also adopting action research as a method of study. This…

It's true that students gain more from learning experiences when they're encouraged to plan their activities, share their knowledge with one another, and tailor material to their own needs. So why not create a professional development program that gives teachers the same range of options? This book provides the framework and steps to help…

This book describes the essential components of any teacher-researcher group. Part I describes an experience, a process, that aids teacher-researchers in completing a study. Part II reexamines the issues and questions surrounding teacher research, as they have both shifted and steadied over the years. Part III consists of research articles written…

Presents examples of instructional episodes showing changing patterns of communication between teacher and students. Gives action research ideas designed to help teachers listen to children describe how they think. (MKR)

Two classroom studies assessed the introduction of innovative instructional techniques, based on adult learning principles, in optometric education. The first involved group projects and related student presentations, and the second introduced active learning methods in place of lectures. (Author/MSE)

Discussed is the Action Research and Community Problem-Solving model as an approach to environmental education. The basic steps to this approach are described. Bridges to the community and between the sciences are proposed. (CW)

Describes an action-research study conducted in a third-grade classroom that integrates mathematical problem solving with the writing process through the use of the Mathematician's Chair. Contains 14 references. (ASK)

Useful as a classroom text and self-teaching tool, this book outlines the process of designing and reporting action research projects in schools. The underlying assumption of the book is that research is not a domain that belongs only to academics, but is a powerful approach that can be used by practitioners to contribute to school renewal and…

This collection of papers examines the hidden risks that teacher researchers may face in action research. There are 12 papers in three parts. Part 1, "School-Based Researchers," includes: (1) "Drafting Ethical Guidelines for Teacher Research in Schools" (Marian M. Mohr); (2) "'Tuesday Night' Revisited: Learning to Survive" (Leslie Turner Minarik);…

This article considers the nature of creativity in industrial and business settings, describes the Manchester (England) Business School Creativity Unit, models creativity in systems terms, reviews action research of the 1970s, and identifies recent areas of research at Manchester including creativity blocks and the impact of creativity training in…