Professional practice is built on sound knowledge specific to each discipline. This knowledge is developed and validated through a process of scientific investigation or research. However, lack of knowledge about the research process acts as a barrier to applying evidence-based practice within the school setting. Understanding the components that…

Two years ago, Mandeville High School (http://mandevillehigh.stpsb.org/index.shtml) in Louisiana purchased a mobile wireless computer lab with grant funds from the state. This lab not only helped improve the writing and research skills of the school's ninth-grade students, but also improved its overall performance score to become one of the…

The first part of this document is a report describing "Where in Louisiana," a program model using IBM LinkWay (i.e., a multimedia software package providing tools to merge text and graphics) that was created as a cooperative learning activity to enhance and expand state studies. The introductory report discusses ways the model promotes…

Twelve graduate students from a variety of fields who were enrolled in a qualitative research class met in an informal setting that facilitated a collaborative learning mode--defined in this presentation as a method of group interaction whereby all members learn from each other's experiences, scholarship, and skills. The first of the six papers…

A university departmental merit evaluation plan and lessons learned from implementing the plan are discussed. The faculty evaluation plan was based on four principles: broad-based faculty and administrative support; informing faculty of expectations of them before the evaluation; providing a description of the primary decision-making and…

Twenty-one elementary and secondary school teachers enrolled in a course called "Writing Research: A Teacher-Researchers Seminar." The course met for 3 hours every 2 weeks during the school year. Teachers spent the first half of each class either discussing a series of research articles or talking with a visiting researcher. During the second half…

A cooperative effort by the Teacher Corps, the University of West Florida, the Okaloosa School District Teacher Center and community members resulted in a graduate program for 34 elementary and secondary teachers at a rural school. This program was created after a self-study of a local school and the surrounding community indicated that school…

Describes a research seminar required of graduate students at Queens College which focuses on educational research, statistical analysis, and library search skills. Topics covered include the use of bibliographies and review of research, periodical indexes and abstracts, and online databases. (CLB)

Provides a detailed description of a pilot project designed to develop critical thinking and writing skills in secondary school students. Activities involved in the process include online searching, writing abstracts and research papers, developing bibliographies, and using word processing equipment. Related article appeared in June 1986 issue of…

Provides a capsule description of a library research course in ancient Greek civilizations which was team-taught by a humanities professor and a reference librarian. Course objectives, research projects, commentary by librarian and professor, and applicability of the approach in other colleges and universities are discussed. Five sources are…

Presents a search strategy for locating time-series or cross-sectional statistical data in published sources which was designed for undergraduate students who require 30 units of data for five separate variables in a statistical model. Instructional context and the broader applicability of the search strategy for general statistical research is…

Describes how library component in bibliographic instruction has been incorporated into existing graduate education program at Catholic University of America. Three levels of instruction--introductory (acquaint students with reference materials), seminar (use of library pathfinder on particular topic), dissertation (develop research…

Describes research seminar class offered to juniors/seniors at Cy-Fair High School in Houston (Texas). Students do literature search, select research topic, make a proposal which is critiqued by students/teachers, conduct research, write a paper based on the literature search which incorporates the results of research; and give oral presentations.…

This paper discusses critical questioning (i.e., Socratic questioning) as a requirement for critical thinking and examines how critical questioning techniques can be incorporated into a technology-based course. A taxonomy of Socratic questioning is presented that includes the following categories of questions: questions of clarification; questions…

Reports a research study in Scottish secondary schools to create diagnostic tests for assessing historical skills--in particular in enquiry, interpretation, and reconstruction of historical materials. Examples of the diagnostic instruments used and the structure of a teaching module are given and favorable reactions from pupils and teachers are…