In the context of school-university partnerships, action research takes on the qualities of collaborative inquiry for achieving partnership. The article describes one partnership project, explaining the importance of action research and examining two studies conducted by school practitioners and college personnel that show the power of action…

This article describes action-oriented teacher research in which teachers use information students reveal about the competent aspects of their lives as learners to direct their teaching efforts. The article notes methodological considerations of this approach and applications to the study of special education. (Author/DB)

Describes findings of a study that examined teachers' attitudes toward educational research and their perceptions of themselves as researchers. Survey results indicated that teachers' attitudes toward research improved dramatically as a result of completing action research projects which were found to be an effective means of promoting reflection…

Introduces a special issue that focuses on teachers and other practitioners undertaking research on their professional praxis. Discusses some experiences as a teacher-researcher, outlines the studies presented in the special issue, and considers questions of voice in the presentation of teacher-researcher studies. Contains 25 references. (WRM)

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…

Many educators have suggested that teachers hold the authority, and thus the responsibility, for initiating the curricular and instructional changes made within their own classrooms. One implication of this suggestion is that teachers be reflective about their practice. Yet, reflection is a difficult process that requires critical thought,…

This paper explores standards and criteria that can be used to judge the validity of qualitative data as evidence of educational improvement. The paper reports on a self study of the educative relationship between two teacher educators: Pam, from a university school of education, and Moyra, director of an inservice education program at a large…

Action research begins with a question of interest to the researchers. Once the question is answered or progress is made toward answering it, action is taken. Data collected throughout the process are analyzed and conclusions are made. The process begins again with either a new question or a modification of the old question. Collaborative team…

This conference presentation describes the characteristics of a living educational theory, explores its implications for self-study methodology, and offers a self-study from an educative relationship with a teacher educator. The theory has its basis in the following ideas: educators exist as living contradictions when their values are negated in…

The idea of the teacher as researcher is presented from several different perspectives--the teacher's, the administrator's, and the university based researcher's--to convey a sense of what it means to be a teacher/researcher. The following chapters are included: (1) The Teacher as Researcher--A Historical Perspective (Mary W. Olson); (2) The Door…

A description is given of a project in which elementary school teachers acted as researchers in collaboration with a graduate school. The project began when in a meeting of educators a discussion centered on teachers' discontent with standardized test scores. A commitment was made to explore alternative indicators of student achievement. Although…

Written for teachers who want introductions to conducting school assessments and to studying features of writing, this book is intended (1) to provide ways for teachers to analyze writing samples and the writing process for school or program assessment, and (2) to promote the development of teacher research among kindergarten through grade 12…

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in schools is now commonplace and, for many, an unquestionable part of everyday teaching and learning. But detailed studies of the use of ICT in classroom-based music education are rare. This article explores how pupils aged between 11 and 16 used ICT to create and perform music in new…

This book illustrates how teacher education can dispose prospective teachers to be critical and continuing students of teaching. There are 10 chapters in two sections. The book begins with (1) "Getting Oriented." Section 1, "Preservice Teacher Education," includes methodologies for exploring self: (2) "Life Writing"…

The growing movement of teacher-as-researcher and the increasing emphasis on qualitative research paradigms call into question the traditional curricula in teacher education programs, which emphasize the teacher as consumer rather than as producer of research. In this study, college faculty and students, and school teachers and administrators were…