My interviews in this study are a continuation of research into adult learning (Shirk, 1984, 1986, 1996. 1998). Based on personal interviews with 198 respondents, I attempted to portray the states of mind most adults face when learning something new. Now, in these twenty-nine interviews, I continue that process, focusing more intently, however, on…

Dissatisfaction with long lists of duties as substitutes for standards led to the innovative application of narratives as an alternative approach to the generation and use of standards for school leaders. This paper describes research conducted over nearly a decade in collaboration with the state education authority in Western Australia,…

Experiences at Brooklyn College with Russian students who have had some formal English study before emigrating are recounted. Steady progress through a sequence of English-as-a-Second-Language courses is attributed to a student network of jobs, apartments, and English classes. Writing instruction techniques are cited. (Contains eight references.)…

A media specialist discusses methods for promoting a library media program. Highlights include a staff survey; monthly newsletters; community celebrity readings; fund raising; taped cable programs; flexibility; displays; communication with staff, parents, and students; supporting the principal and staff; and having a positive attitude. (AEF)

Developed for two grade 8 English classes in a large metropolitan high school in British Columbia (Canada), this paper presents the procedures for implementing and evaluating a 6-week unit on lifewriting, the composing of stories based on personal experience. The Lifewriting Curriculum is provided--six lessons including activities in which…

For this study, 12 part-time students in an early childhood studies program were interviewed and videotaped concerning their personal stories as students. Initial analysis of their responses revealed main themes: (1) economic barriers to full-time degree study; (2) domestic responsibilities/gender issues (for example, the stress of juggling…

This 4-year study investigated the preservice lives of four elementary teacher education students to determine their inductive characteristics and their concerns and priorities. Journals kept during the junior year field experience and later student teaching were the primary source for determining the concerns and priorities. Six general…

Nine articles address the topic of professionalism among school librarians. Highlights include personal initiative and suggestions for growing professionally, a professional involvement profile, career and job options, best-ever workshops, professional growth through travel, from librarian to computer coordinator, illustrated booktalks, the school…

This volume comprises the refereed proceedings of the 2007 ATLAANZ (Association of Tertiary Learning Advisors of Aotearoa/New Zealand) conference. The first three chapters set the scene well for the breadth and depth of issues addressed by the authors. In Chapter 1, Andy Begg refers to his own educational journey in discussing the inseparability…

This qualitative study explored the perceptions of 14 adults (ages 21 to 37) with learning disabilities (including 7 enrolled in college) regarding their K-12 school experiences. Personal interviews were used to elicit those dimensions of the school experience perceived as most positive or most negative. The critical incident technique was used to…

In an effort to discern the perceptions of the importance or value of mathematics education held by ordinary people in Appalachia, a qualitative research study was performed in accordance with an agreement with the ACCLAIM Research Initiative. The study engaged the qualitative research method known as "folknography" and targeted the…

A qualitative study was conducted interviewing eleven teachers and artists about their classroom experiences during artist residencies in participating schools. A conversation, from the vantage point of the teacher and artist, was created in both a narrative and a video product revealing the confines and collaborations present during artist…

In an effort to inform teacher development efforts, a study was conducted to identify and describe the factors involved in making the transition from "other" professional occupations to employment as community college teachers and transforming professional skills into effective teaching practices. The study focused on one female and two male…

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has created this Parent Guide to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so parents can become informed and effective partners with school personnel in supporting their child's special learning and behavioral needs. It is hoped that parents will use this IDEA Parent Guide to…

The instructor of a course focusing on basic academic and job readiness skills for welfare recipients at the Goodwill Employment Help Center in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, conducted an action research project to determine whether developing personal mission statements would increase students' motivation in her course. As new students were accepted…