The often-ignored issue of religious cults is one that teachers ought to address in the classroom, both as a method for teaching research skills and out of a responsibility for their students' welfare. (LH)

Argues that multiple theoretical perspectives and applied careers versus basic interests need not divide the discipline of sociology. Contends that the idea of a disciplinary core will be more easily operationalized if sociologists orient themselves toward the skills which comprise the essence of their work. (Author/DH)

Emphasizes that the heart of a graduate sociology curriculum should be research training, including practicums and internships. The curriculum should include coverage of basic areas with specialities based on faculty expertise and other strengths of the university. The selection of worthwhile research problems and how to communicate results are…

This collection of four papers on the applicability of bibliographic theory to bibliographic instruction is introduced by Ross Atkinson, who sees a shift away from political and pedagogical concerns in bibliographic instruction. In "Pragmatic Bibliography," Patrick Wilson contrasts wholesale or comprehensive bibliography (the compilation…

Argues that librarians are natural collaborators with English teachers to improve education and support lifelong learning, assisting students in their learning and supporting teachers in their efforts to update skills and knowledge. Discusses how librarians can help with appropriate research assignments, finding the right sources, evaluating…

In partial response to a recent best-seller decrying the so-called "ProfScam" scenario whereby professors downgrade undergraduate teaching in favor of often irrelevant research, the paper offers guidance to accounting faculty seeking to undertake meaningful publishable research. Recommendations are given for four stages in the research process:…

Presents several lessons about student research learned by a school librarian who returned to graduate school. Highlights include the importance of self-confidence, the overview stage of the research process, the diversity of approaches to research, writer's bloc, creative thinking, and the effects of personal events on schoolwork. (MES)

Freshmen often approach research papers by selecting a "giant topic" and going to the library to confront swamps and mountains of resources. A different approach to teaching research is designed to help students begin to shift the often counter-productive paradigm under which they operate. The classroom strategy proposed is 3-fold.…

This book presents interviews with 13 research professionals that contain favorite online search strategies and research tools, anecdotes, "how to" survival tips, and best-practice examples. The appendix lists referenced sites and sources in the following categories: (1) online resources; (2) books, annuals, newsletters, magazines, and…

There are many uses of computers appropriate in a liberal arts setting, but a college's culture and its administrative approach to computers should be congruent. The college can also actively use its culture to support computer use, building on faculty and student experience and interests. (MSE)

Discussion of role of the school library in the academic life of the gifted/talented student highlights characteristics of gifted students which relate to library services, teaching library skills and research techniques, and other library activities (author interviews, library aides, reading encouragement). A 95-item bibliography of library…

Analyzes a research model entitled "The Professional Communications Network" and shows a step-by-step approach to implementing this model in writing courses that require technical research. Shows logical development of an average technical research paper and ends with an evaluation of the network by students. (EL)

Problems faced by graduate students in research and writing and ways to improve competence in these areas are addressed. Student problems were identified through formal/informal interviews and work with graduate students over a 12-year period. In the first step of choosing a topic, students may be worried that the topic is too broad, narrow, or…

Second in a series of columns on helping children develop content area literacy. Gives children's perspectives on appropriate uses of various media and tools in the elementary school curriculum, including computers. Comments on the future use of traditional resources such as books. (ET)

Review of software designed to help students find and use reference materials covers use of databases and word processing programs to record and organize notes for student research papers and online databases to acquire research materials. Learning activities for teaching how to use these resources include program for computer dictionary. (MBR)