This article describes a research project undertaken as part of a Master's degree drawing on the author's recent professional experience as a primary teacher and headteacher. It explores the possibilities and benefits of supporting the development of social research skills with a class of seven- and eight-year-old (Year 3) children in one English…

This paper describes the design and subsequent impact of a scientific research skills course. Student understanding of the university research environment, their confidence in finding and using scientific literature and in scientific writing and presentation pre- and post-course was investigated. The findings suggested that understanding of the…

Scores obtained by doctoral students on a battery of psychological tests were correlated with ratings of students provided by academic tutors. Students rated most highly by academic tutors tended to be those with low to moderate levels of cognitive complexity and low neuroticism. (Author/MJL)

This report covers phase one of a three-stage project commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Councils for England, Scotland, and Wales (HEFCE, SHEFC, and HEFCW) to determine the role of threshold standards and conditional funding in improving standards in research degree programs (RDPs). The aim of this report is to review good practice and…

IN A DISCUSSION OF THE EFFECTS, PRESENT NEEDS, AND FUTURE OF RESEARCH ON THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH, THE POSITION OF THE TEACHER IN ENGLAND IS EMPHASIZED. IN CONSIDERING THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE USE OF RESEARCH IN ENGLISH TEACHING, THE IMPORTANCE OF ADEQUATE FUNCTIONING BETWEEN TWO ASPECTS OF RESEARCH--COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION--IS STRESSED. ALSO…

A month-long experiment simulated a piece of genuine academic research for a multinational group of English as a second language students in a study skills course in England. A description of the experiment includes students' day-to-day progress, a brief evaluation of the program, and changes required in teacher-learner roles and in learner…

This guide was written for graduate students and is intended to provide a grounding in research methods, particularly research in education, and to be a useful ongoing reference source. Each chapter was written by a professor, senior lecturer, or research specialist from a university in England. Part A, "The Concept of Research,"…

Examines the background and implementation of a student research project exploring the decisions of 16-year olds to leave or stay in school. Offers a critique of the methods of student researchers focusing upon five main issues, organization, time, equity, research style, and clashing cultures. (MJP)

Praises self-directed English field research projects for being intellectually challenging, highly motivating, and demonstrating a wide range of skills. Recently, however, these projects have resulted in a number of problems including allocation of resources and safety liability. Suggests possible solutions and examines a model field research…

Describes an English undergraduate physical geography class that combines lecture and practice to create an integrated team project involving fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data analysis, group report writing, poster production, and presentations. The class encourages group interaction, student decision making, and the development of transferable…

Demonstrates how the development of transferable skills can be promoted as a matter of policy in undergraduate geography programs and implemented throughout individual classes. Defines transferable skills as skills of a widely applicable nature independent of the disciplinary context. Presents two examples of transferable skill development in…