The results of attempts to write educational fiction and to do educational research as a form of storytelling are not convincing either as research or as fiction. Recent developments in the Centre for Applied Research in Education represent the most marked departure yet from conventional education research. (JN)

Surveys the purposes, effectiveness, selection, and design of simulations and provides some criteria by which faculty may judge the suitability of the play element for meeting classroom needs. Lists of resources for simulation selection and directories of games are appended. (Author/MER)

There are tools available to organize the educational process so that specifically identified goals, including a commitment to scholarship, can be attained systematically. Such a systematic approach is necessary to ensure that graduates will undertake scholarly activity. (MSE)

The acquisition of information literacy (IL) skills is recognized as an important component of undergraduate education. An integrated, multi-tiered approach to teaching these skills is proposed to build upon students' evolving abilities, while challenging them to become more sophisticated in their use of information. The purpose of this article is…

The Human-Environment Research Observatory (HERO) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program aimed to develop the next generation of researchers working on place-based human-environment problems. The program followed a cooperative learning model to foster an integrated approach to geographic research and to build collaborative research…

For the past two and a half years, Research for Action (RFA) worked with student members of Youth United for Change (YUC) and Philadelphia Student Union (PSU). Over that time, these young people have committed themselves to learning social science research methods and conducted a study of their changing schools. Their motivation to be youth…

In this article we explore the concept of quality in teacher action research by re-examining our participation with science teachers in several different collaborative action research projects. We conducted second-order action research and generated a series reflexive conditions for promoting and ensuring quality action research. We assert that a…

An index that measures the degree of comfort a researcher has relative to statistical inference application is proposed. The index is calculated by selecting and weighting components inherent in the conduct of hypothesis tests and confidence intervals, and its values range from zero to one. To organize the components of the index, inference…

A three-year (1979-82) training program funded by the National Institute of Education (NIE) at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is designed to increase participation by women and minorities in educational research. An objective of the project is the provision of practical experience for doctoral students in project design and data…

An enrichment program based on the Purdue Three-Stage Model (creative thinking abilities, creative problem solving, and independent study and research skills) resulted in no significant differences in self-concept scores for 199 gifted elementary participants compared to control Ss. Participants did, however, show significant differences in…

This review covers the past 25 years of research literature on training observers of behavior, specifically in the areas of interviewing, reducing rater bias, interpersonal perception and observation as a research tool. The focus is on determining the most successful training methods and their theoretical bases. (Author/SJL)

Discusses critical thinking skills needed for student research projects using the Internet. Notes the difference between an open mind and an empty mind; suggests a strategy for teaching students the difference. Explains techniques students should learn before trying keyword searches on the Internet and discusses ways to overcome obstacles. (AEF)

While the usual uses of dictionaries in second-language learning (decoding and direct translation) are often nonproductive, there are good reasons for teaching dictionary use to language students. The dictionary is an interesting and essential resource, and a tool for lifelong learning. (MSE)

Examines the professional socialization of undergraduate sociology majors with a focus on research training. Explores four assumptions related to professional socialization and a cumulative curriculum. Presents data on the national patterns in research training in undergraduate sociology and offers a case study of research training at Southwestern…

We surveyed departments nationally to better understand the extent of scientific opportunities and experiences for undergraduate psychology students. Results showed intradepartmental variability, but overall students can expect 7 courses that offer research experiences in the typical psychology curriculum. Nonetheless, research is often not the…