This manual describes a comprehensive system of procedures or a model constructed for the purpose of improving occupational student follow-up in California community colleges. The manual deals with such pragmatic research considerations as conceptualization of research design, sampling, questionnaire content, suggestions for data processing, and…

Describes curriculum development aimed at increasing quantitative skills or demonstrating relevance of technological tools to studies in humanities. Included are simulations, research design, measurement, analytical techniques, computer software development, and a new laboratory course in social sciences. Also describes attempts to focus on…

Achieving Education for All (EFA) in Ghana and many parts of sub-Saharan Africa remains an elusive goal. Extensive research in diverse countries has revealed that formalized systems that work on fixed timetables, a loaded curriculum, and trained teachers, are often not performing as well in rural environments in providing basic literacy, numeracy,…

Presents general systems models (ballistic system, guided system, and adaptive system) and an evaluation matrix to help in examining training evaluation alternatives and in deciding what evaluation is appropriate. Includes some guidelines for conducting evaluation studies using four designs (control group, reversal, multiple baseline, and…

In Canada's Exemplary Schools Project, a national committee designed and coordinated 21 case studies. A committee member recounts decisions made about design and method, and highlights differences between method and methodology, as well as variations in conceptualization of qualitative research. Discusses the meaning of "exemplary,"…

Describes the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Children 5-16 Research Programme, a 5-year project which examined contemporary childhood in the United Kingdom, including aspects of social lives, living conditions, experiences, and perspectives. Notes specific research aims: to develop new knowledge about children as social actors, to…

Reviews the Peruvian Rural Communication Services (PRCS) Project and outlines selected findings. Topics discussed include a brief description of Peru's economic and social conditions; satellite communication systems; audio teleconferencing; telephone service; planning and administration; research design features; data collection; and project…

The conceptual and technical problems that need to be considered when studying graduate student retention and degree progress are examined, and practical suggestions for the institutional researcher are offered. Terms are defined, retention measures are explained, and different types of analysis are outlined. Ideas are given for database…

Discusses the research design for the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Asserts that the TIMSS is a compromise between longitudinal and cross-sectional survey designs and will yield more information about student achievement. (CFR)

Educational researchers are increasingly using design as a means of advancing their understanding. Historically design in educational research has served as a way to implement theories for testing. The emerging design research paradigm treats design as a strategy for developing and refining theories. In this article, I discuss the lessons that can…

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…

This article is the first of a research methods series dedicated to getting good results from survey research. In this series, "good results" is a stenographic term used to define surveys that yield accurate and meaningful information decision makers can use with confidence to identify current practices that merit continuation and to create or…

This article describes a preliminary study investigating whether a specific awareness and training for six teacher-paraprofessional teams would have an effect on the inclusion of six students with mild to severe disabilities in elementary general education environments. An experimental design employing a pretest-posttest control group with matched…

A common problem in teaching undergraduate courses in the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) is that the contemporary research literature is largely not comprehensible to most undergraduates. A suggested solution is the use of research articles from the early days of EAB. These are not only easy to understand but provide additional…

The philosophy and mission statements of both the American Physical Therapy Association and Nova Southeastern University's physical therapy program state that holders of a Master's Degree in physical therapy will be reflective practitioners with the ability to assess and reflect on their own performances. This research project is being proposed to…