Improving student learning is the primary goal of every teacher of algebra. Teachers seek strategies to help all students learn important algebra content and develop mathematical practices. The new Institute of Education Sciences[IES] practice guide, "Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students"…

The last article in a special issue on organizational research utilization, this paper discusses "solution environments" (the real or assumed distribution of good and bad solutions to problems), the models underlying the environments, the generation of these models, and solution environments' relationship to research utilization.…

There are circumstances and threats that make it difficult to use the social sciences to help solve practical problems. For example, information that arrives too late will not be used. Yet, too late is not often defined. However, social and organizational psychology can be used to develop strategies to overcome these threats. (RM)

Quality research is vital to the well-being of any academic discipline. Rather than discourage research and its subsequent publication, every effort should be made to encourage quality production and to disseminate findings in the most feasible and practical manner possible. (JD)

This book emphasizes the importance of research to the school psychologist. Written in a conversational style, it looks at research as a tool for problem solving and a basis for action rather than as an academic exercise. Research is described as an interaction, a point of contact to get things moving, a different way of seeing a problem. The…

Examines the role of research in assisting library managers to operate libraries more effectively. Strategies for research and for library managers to better create and use research are suggested; conceptual and practical issues that affect research utilization are discussed; and the need for improved efforts by both library managers and…

In order to assist trainees in preparing for brief family therapy interventions, the following domains are discussed: knowledge of brief treatment research, clear decision-rules for problem assessment and task intervention, skill-building in service delivery, and practice in adapting to idiosyncratic responses from the client family system. (JPS)

Five principles emerging from cognitive science research are as follows: (1) help students organize their knowledge with concept mapping; (2) build on what students already know; (3) facilitate information processing; (4) facilitate deep thinking; and (5) make thinking processes explicit. (SK)

Discusses the need for more involvement by Black students and scholars in the study of the needs and problems of this country's Black population. Calls for a collective effort on the part of Black institutions to systematically conduct research for and about American Blacks. (Author/BE)

Summarizes the interview and observation of mathematics teachers on their classroom teaching of problem solving. Discusses the related issues that teachers should consider as they plan and teach problem solving lessons. (YP)

A speech by Chancellor Donna E. Shalala of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, is presented; it calls for a broadening university commitment to societal issues and for the university to engage in basic research on social policy issues in a fashion similar to the fundamental science and technology research currently undertaken. The lecture…

Discusses problems faced by information producers in an organization if potential users of that information for practical decision making do not recognize its value. Strategies for promoting information use are discussed in the context of information needs of management and incentives for change. An example is given. (MBR)

Research, evaluation, and policy analysis are elements of inquiry whose functions, aims, purposes, intended audiences, and intended outcomes have been confused in the literature discussing how to accomplish them. Using the definition of "disciplined inquiry" provided by Cronbach and Suppes (1969), which defines disciplined inquiry as the…

Discussion of the decision-making role of the librarian covers pertinent planning activities, i.e., systematically analyzing problem, reviewing literature, gathering and analyzing data, and assessing positive aspects of implementing new knowledge so gained. Knowledge of the research process, replicating research, and assuming the responsibility of…

Advanced is the hypothesis that students organize their beliefs about mathematics to resolve problems that are primarily social rather than mathematical in origin. The contextuality of cognition, meaning-making, and learning in interactive situations are each discussed. (MNS)