This publication describes plans for one of three subsidiary studies related to a larger research program concerned with the interrelationship of educational qualifications and employment. The purpose of the particular study described here is to trace how educated young people in Kenya and Sri Lanka who cannot immediately gain employment change…

An illustration of modestly-interactive instruction of moderate length--to be administered to six students who start off together--is presented. Implications for IDCMS regarding number of audio programs and video files and extent of looping are preliminarily deduced on the basis of characteristics of the illustrative instructional program.…

Suggests that elementary school students should be introduced to science research by involving them in group projects. Argues that this type of collaborative approach is more motivating for the students, and produces less anxiety and a better understanding of the steps involved in scientific methodology. (TW)

Notes that large-scale qualitative research projects tend to produce vast data pools from observation journals, interview transcripts, and other material that often is barely analyzed in the originating project. Argues that this material represents a valuable research resource. Includes six suggested rules for the use of older data. (MJP)

Defines the post-positivist approach to qualitative research as one that characterizes knowledge as neither conclusive, verifiable, or external to the human psyche. Instead it assumes knowledge to be socially and individually constructed. Argues for a more tolerant and creative understanding of the various research methodologies by their…

Highlights some of the fundamental differences between positivistic and qualitative research methods regarding art education. Defends qualitative research and argues that applying natural science research principles to human endeavors is often futile. Discusses the special problems and advantages of qualitative research. (MJP)

Examines the background and implementation of a student research project exploring the decisions of 16-year olds to leave or stay in school. Offers a critique of the methods of student researchers focusing upon five main issues, organization, time, equity, research style, and clashing cultures. (MJP)

Asserts that current technology makes it possible to administer organizational surveys by using computers. Describes processes of conducting a computer-administered survey. Finds that respondents who complete computer surveys find them more interesting and seem to be more aware of their thoughts and feelings while completing them. (CFR)

Asserts that educational policymakers must measure student achievement and school system performance accurately to help provide skills demanded by society. Contends that many international surveys either fail to provide adequate and precise answers to the intended research questions or provide inaccurate and faulty results. (CFR)

Closed laboratories are becoming an increasingly popular approach to teaching introductory computer science courses, as they facilitate structured problem-solving and cooperation. However, most closed laboratories have been designed and implemented without embedded instructional research components for constant evaluation of the laboratories'…

When most teachers hear the phrase "professional development," skepticism clouds their faces. But research-based professional development can provide interesting experiences and valuable content knowledge. The Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, helps "facilitate professional development of…

The National Science Foundation and others have made compelling arguments that research be incorporated into the learning of undergraduates. In response to these arguments, a two-hybrid research project was incorporated into a molecular biology course that contained both a lecture section and a laboratory section. The course was designed around…

This paper introduces the design for a study to investigate application of a cognitive apprenticeship approach to preservice teacher education. The research will be informed by and build upon the findings of a previous Master of Education dissertation. In particular, the study seeks to investigate answers to the following research question: To…

In November 1989, nine research designs developed to assist local colleges in the evaluation of their matriculation activities were disseminated to the California community colleges. These designs, created as part of the Local Research Options Project, focused on measuring the effects of the colleges' matriculation activities on student…

Interest in Total Quality Management (TQM) at institutions of higher education has been stressed in recent years as an important area of activity for institutional researchers. Two previous AIR Forum papers have presented some of the statistical and graphical methods used for TQM. This paper, the third in the series, first discusses some of the…