This article summarizes the views on action research, expressed in this issue, with regard to differing purposes and uses, apparent trends, and possible contributions to educational reform efforts. (IAH)

Practice-based research projects that expose some of the inherent tensions in action research are described. Two projects focused on curriculum implementation, and one investigated the nature of and influences on school-based curriculum decision-making. (IAH)

This article discusses the rationale for teaching preservice teachers to participate in action research, and describes the guidelines followed in developing and teaching the action research course given as part of the elementary PROTEACH program at the University of Florida. (IAH)

This article chronicles the evolution of the Classroom Research Study Group (a collaborative effort of the University of Louisville and the Jefferson County Public Schools Ghens Professional Development Academy), describes how it functions, discusses teachers' emergent roles as action researchers, and considers related issues concerning the…

The potential contribution of action research to professionalizing teaching is discussed and related to three types of collaboration which are distinguished by roles of participants, degree of institutional support, topics addressed, and type of focus. Also considered is the potential role of action research in encouraging reflective practice.…

Presents a first-person account of three people closely involved in a collaboration between one junior-senior high school and Miami University's Institute for Educational Renewal. The collaboration centered on incorporating a teacher-as-inquirer component into student teaching experience, which developers believe holds greater promise for…

Examines collaborative research and practice-oriented inquiry groups which facilitate the professional development of educators and the enhancement of student achievement within a middle-school Professional Development School (PDS). Small groups of university and school educators conduct action research and inquiry about school-based educational…