While reading teachers have routinely introduced pre-reading activation strategies for decades, literature teachers are trained to become expert on what happens after reading, to be adept at follow-up, to be agile with close analysis of an already finished reading experience. As a result of a presentation by a reading specialist, a veteran…

In this book, two teachers share their experiences as researchers to confront and address the current disagreements about whether empirical research or narrative recounting is a better research model. In the book they seek to transcend these disagreements by endorsing an integrative approach that covers all aspects of practitioner inquiry, joining…

Discusses teachers who question the happenings in their classrooms and answer their questions through classroom research. Argues that these teachers will continue to learn about their students and the teaching/learning that occurs within their classrooms, schools, and profession. Offers suggestions on how to initiate a teacher/researcher effort.…

Presents reflections of six teacher-researchers who participated in the Center for the Study of Writing and Literacy's M-CLASS, a project that focuses on understanding literacy in multicultural urban English and social studies classrooms. Notes that one issue the group raised is that teacher research often leads to teacher change. (PA)

Details a program designed to encourage research projects aimed at promoting "higher literacy" carried out by middle and high school teachers of one Colorado school district. Argues for the value of individual and collaborative action-research projects by teachers. Describes the experience of the program. (HB)

Discusses four reasons why Montessorians do not see research as part of their work: (1) subtle messages received during teacher training that Montessori is defined through materials and curriculum; (2) experienced rather than new teachers carry out research; (3) a research atmosphere is missing from teacher training programs; (4) Montessori…

Describes how a teacher and a teacher educator collaborated to extend their thinking regarding effective learning environments and to challenge their own uncertainties through dialog. Discusses four aspects of effective learning environments: creating authentic, meaningful, and personalized curriculum; making visible differences in language and…

Although the use of action research has made its way into various faculties of education as a means of applying theory to practice, there remains a disconnect between the teacher as an educator and the teacher as a researcher. Research must be empirically based; therefore, it has traditionally been seen to reside in the domain of the theorist or…

In this commentary, I summarize my own research with colleagues to affirm Dr. Gersten's call for considering design experiments prior to conducting intervention research. I describe how design experiments not only can inform teaching and the learning of innovative approaches, but also hold the promise of effectively bridging the…

Claims that reading research and reading instruction have come no closer to each other than they ever were because the two sides have trouble communicating. Postulates that the work of teacher-researchers like Mary Heller might help link theory to practice. (SKC)

Describes a program that brought teacher researchers together to discuss their work and learn about each other's teaching techniques. Reflects on the purpose of the project, which was to provide professional development and a way for teachers to share information and enhance their own teaching. (SRT)

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)

Explores the development of teacher research on gender. Suggests that teacher research has proved important for feminist teachers by affording them the opportunity to explore the social as well as the educational context of schooling and by providing them with the means to challenge inequalities from inside the profession. (KO)

Reacts to Frederick Burton's response (same issue) to her article on teachers as researchers. Emphasizes the value of collaborative research projects, the need for teacher researchers not to imitate the work of traditional researchers, and the use of local forums to give teacher researchers recognition. (RS)

A former classroom teacher studied the role of action research in restructuring schools. The article discusses the background information she collected on reasons for conducting action research (personal/professional growth, improved practice, advancing the profession, contributing to the professional literature, promoting collaboration, and…