This paper reviews recent collaborative action research studies by experienced teachers who have assumed complex new roles. Collaborative action research, under certain conditions, can become an effective way to promote the good and the moral through the personal and professional (cognitive-structural) growth of teachers. In learning…

This paper discusses research methods used to examine children's art. The first part of the paper presents information on four theoretical approaches to the examination of children's art and discusses the teacher's role within that approach: (1) psychological approach, using art to discover the child's inner conflicts; (2) behavioral psychological…

The teacher-researcher has assumed many roles ranging from research assistant through collaborator to research director. The benefits of teacher research include the political (it is a vehicle for the empowerment of teachers), the practical (teachers are in the best position to verify which methods work best), and professional growth (they are…

Notes that outdated teaching practices and assessment strategies thrive in spite of research findings suggesting more effective alternatives. Argues that action research is a promising solution to this problem, seeking answers to classroom-based problems and issues. Uses a sports-coaching metaphor to examine a five-step model of action research.…

This book is a final report of the Center for the Learning and Teaching of Literature, which was established in 1987 with 3 years of funding to conduct research that would lead to improvements in the learning and teaching of literature, particularly in the middle grades. The report focuses on critical findings in each of the Center's major…

This paper reviews the literature on teachers as researchers, tracing the roots of the subject back to Dewey. The paper notes problems with implementing the concept in teacher education programs and in the schools. It also provides a plan for promoting teachers as researchers and suggests a way of supporting the plan. (SM)

This article reviews aspects of the relationships among teaching, special education, and research. It is argued that educational research, and consequently policy making, has too often taken insufficient account of teachers' professional credibility and expertise. Teachers are encouraged to become more involved in research activities. (Contains…

Research on teacher burnout, stress, and alienation lacks emphasis on the social milieu in which teachers work. In his book, Anthony Dworkin adopts the subjective approach, eliminating any analysis of actual teacher working conditions. Furthermore, he muddles Marx's theory of alienation of labor. (Author/BJV)

This paper examines systematic studies of teacher research as professional development activity, identifying specific aspects of this experience that relate to positive teacher and student learning. Section 1 discusses variations in teacher research related to motivation, structural conditions and context, study format and content, incorporation…

Wong has argued that the role of the teacher/researcher is full of conflict in that the pull of either students or research may affect commitment to the other. It is argued that research is not inherently conflictual, but that one teacher/researcher's tension is another's intention. (SLD)

Throughout its history, adult literacy education has been defined, researched, and controlled by external entities. Action research is now enabling literacy practitioners and learners to gain a voice through production of their own knowledge. The applicability, benefits, and inherent risks of practitioner action research are discussed. Contains 53…

This publication explores the literature on teacher action research and authentic instruction, and draws on investigations of teacher research activities in order to promote the use of more"authentic" curriculum and instruction, especially for students at risk. "Authentic" instruction is defined as instruction based around problems, questions, or…

Focuses on the positive impact of the professional development model that has evolved from the initial set of principles and practices James Gray laid out for the Bay Area Writing Project at the University of California in Berkeley in l974. (NH)

The "Teachers as Researchers in the Context of Award Bearing Courses and Research Degrees" is a United Kingdom project that explores the claims made for action research and the criticisms levelled against it. This paper offers a set of "readings" of six action research projects. After Part 1, which serves as an introduction,…

Self-evaluation requires teachers to have an ability to systematically reflect on their own pedagogical activities; action research supports and helps teachers in this process. This article explores the use of action research by teachers to improve both their own expertise and their educational environment. The article begins with a discussion of…