There is not much evidence that supports the notion of the self-fulfilling prophecy as applied to teachers' expectations of students. The "Pygmalion" study is often cited by courts and in the media; but it is highly criticized in scholarly circles, and its findings could not be replicated. (VM)

Reviewed in this article is recent research related to "theory" in education with a particular focus on theory in instruction. A direction for basic research in instruction and for applied research in curriculum development is proposed. (Author/EB)

Presents the views of six former presidents of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) on the future of the AERA and of educational research in general. Most, although not all, agree that the AERA should become more politically active than it has been and should adopt positions on specific educational policy questions. (SLD)

Describes a new theory of multiple intelligences (MI) that identifies seven relatively independent forms of information processing that individuals exhibit in differing patterns. Describes the following MI-related educational research projects: (1) Arts PROPEL; (2) the Key School project; and (3) Project Spectrum. (FMW)

Explores formal research on educational practice and practical inquiry into questions of practice. Formal research contributes to an established and general knowledge base, whereas practical inquiry is undertaken by a practitioner to improve practice. Practical inquiry is more likely to lead to immediate classroom change. (SLD)

Reviews "Soviet Studies in Mathematics Education: Volume 2. Types of Generalization in Instruction" (V. V. Davydov, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1990), which is useful for educational researchers because its major theory of dialectical materialism offers a view of knowledge with a significant role for activities that…

Argues that educators should reconsider their current commitment to problem solving as the way to promote constructionist teaching and learning and should focus on teaching important ideas developed within the disciplines. This idea-based social constructivism focuses on the possibilities of a given situation. (SLD)

Argues that reform in curriculum and instruction should be based on students resolving problems rather than mastering skills and applying them. An alternative is proposed that builds on John Dewey's "reflective inquiry," arguing that this approach would facilitate students' understanding. This proposal is compared with other views on the…

Increasing availability of hand-held calculators in the student's world forces educators to take a hard look to see what course the schools should take in mathematics education. Planned research and development will be necessary in the next decade to explore a variety of options that schools may use. (Author/JP)

The metaphor linking the classroom with the workplace has often driven research and influenced educational practice. Although similarities exist, the conceptualization neglects the unique qualities of the classroom that create a "learning setting." Characteristics differentiating classrooms from work and recreational settings are…

Argues that international assessments that show U.S. educational inferiority are unwarranted, reviews the history of these assessments, and evaluates the major explanations of the achievement differences. It also examines the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of curriculum-centered explanations because of their relevance to school reform.…

Uses the literature on teacher change and learning to teach, and examples from a teacher change research project, to examine how research can be used to bring about change in teaching practices. Suggests that the empirical premises derived from research, combined with a teacher's practical knowledge, can produce teacher change. (FMW)

Replies to Carole Edelsky's response to the authors' article on the schism between proponents of whole language and traditional language arts instruction. Defends the questions posed by the authors' research agenda, and suggests that diverse research methodologies can be employed in tandem to address them. Calls for collaboration among…

Argues that the clinical trial paradigm is the wrong model for educational research. Interpretive case study research suggests that the best thing policymakers can do for educational improvement is to give local educators and school communities more freedom and funding to work out their own ways to improve practice. (SLD)

The incorrect Humean notion of causation in the standard view of science has had devastating effects on social science research. Alternatively, scientific realism, as illustrated in R. Bhaskar's work, provides a scientific framework for research, incorporates the perceptions and intentions of participants, and advances critical values (i.e.,…