Dr. James Lytle's discussion of the "destruction" of the School District of Philadelphia was indeed a bitter pill for Indi Ekanayake to swallow. As an educator who is both an alumnus of Teach For America and a charter school employee, Ekanayake feels as if he might be a representative of the types of people whom Dr. Lytle is…

Between 2001 and 2007 I conducted a self-study action research enquiry into my practice as a primary school teacher. The research had a collaborative aspect to it, in so far as my pupils and colleagues were invited to participate in the research, although I was the focus of the enquiry. I was unhappy about my teaching: I felt I dominated the…

In the last years of the nineteenth century, educational psychologists created what they called a "science of education." Their aim was to make education a professional field, thereby freeing teachers and school administrators from political interference, and they believed they could do this by concentrating on studies that might…

Some of the stresses and strains experienced by second-language acquisition researchers are described. Suggestions are offered for how they should respond, including reference to two particular research lines that could have an impact on both linguistic theory and pedagogical decisions for language classrooms. (26 references) (Author/LB)

Discusses seminars aimed at teachers for improving classroom practice through research. Through research, teachers understand more clearly their own power to influence children's learning achievements. (SAH)

This article focuses on the growing segment of teachers who consider themselves teacher researchers. A brief summary is given of how four teachers put research to work in their classrooms. Suggestions on how to be a better teacher researcher and a list of references and resources are given. (IAH)

Jewish education needs a philosophy if its practitioners are to be considered part of a "real" profession and its professors are to be thought of as having mastered a legitimate academic discipline. A strong cadre of researchers who have produced a valid and reliable body of research also is required to earn a respected place in the academy. Until…

Teachers, parents, policymakers, and others interested in researching what is best for teaching children literacy skills will find literally thousands of resources purporting to be "best practices." This book suggests examining real classrooms--teachers and students actively involved in literacy learning--to determine what works in…

Focuses on student-teacher interaction in one classroom. Discusses different methods for conducting informal classroom research, connecting classroom practices with current theories, and analyzing and interpreting classroom events to improve instruction and learning. (HTH)

The role of educational research is examined, focusing on its relationship to the classroom teacher's efforts to promote student learning. After a discussion of the relationship between education and psychology, the individual roles of educational research are discussed; the latter include increasing and disseminating knowledge and assessing…

Examines the benefits of group discussion in English classrooms. Demonstrates how small group discussion yields qualitative learning among participants and enhances questioning skills. Advocates the growth and challenge that can come from such activities. Provides student discussion transcriptions. (HB)

A university teacher educator discusses becoming a teacher-researcher in her own classes, bringing theory and practice together and collaborating with students in the learning process. She observed classroom events, talked with students, and reflected about the situation. The experience helped her integrate theory and practice and feel positive…

This book is about learning--about one educator's experiences learning to teach, to observe, and to make choices. It is a portrayal of a life in action and of the intertwining of professional work and personal experiences. The educator portrayed in the book has explored many aspects of education, searching for where she might make the most…

This article examines the teacher researcher movement, discussing ethical matters related to action research. In the medical domain, biomedical ethics directs human interventions resulting from clinical and research practice. The paper suggests a discipline called "bioteaching ethics" could help direct human interventionary actions of teachers…

Describes how the personal narratives of Vivian Paley led one early childhood specialist to surprising insights about the ways young children and adults learn. Focuses on the role of children's storytelling and playacting in supporting thinking, classroom discipline techniques, and using children's thinking to improve one's teaching skills. (KB)