Analyzes chapters on epistemology and methodology in the "Handbook of Research on Social Studies Teaching and Learning." Laments the imprecise definition concerning the epistemological nature of the social studies. Concludes the handbook does not clarify this definition and that social studies research reflects this missing broader…

Suggests that a reductionist and mechanistic epistemology of present Environmental Education (EE) systems impedes the ability of EE to be an agent of environmental problem solving. Using an action research approach, presents EE as a transforming agent to enable epistemological change. (22 references) (Author/MCO)

Describes the evolution of the qualitative-quantitative debate, and suggests that educational researchers learn to live with the necessary tensions resulting from accepting elements of each approach. The proposed critical educational research model is illustrated through examples that go beyond a positivist-interpretivist split. (SLD)

Argues that ignorance is a better criterion than truth for determining the usefulness of knowledge generated through educational research. Implications for conceptualizing and teaching research are discussed, illustrating how attention to ignorance can increase understanding in areas such as practitioner research and cooperative research. (SLD)

This paper contains a consideration of the nature and role of warrants for research conclusions in educational research. The paper argues the need for an explicit warrant in the form of a logical and persuasive link between the evidence produced and the conclusions drawn (with appropriate qualifications and caveats). It describes social scientific…

Interactive immersive entertainment, or videogame playing, has emerged as a major entertainment and educational medium. As research and development initiatives proliferate, educational researchers might benefit by developing more grounded theories about them. This article argues for framing game play as a "designed experience." Players'…

When asked to give a talk at a mathematics teacher conference that focused on research in mathematics education, Ruhama Even viewed the invitation as an opportunity to address the meta-question: what can teachers learn from research in mathematics education? The reason for her view was her way of feeling, as a researcher and teacher educator, that…

By examining assumptions which comprise traditional sociological thought, problems, and criticisms of sociological practice, and current issues of feminist sociology, the document investigates ways in which sociology can be transformed to include feminist perspectives. Following a rationale for reformulating fundamental assumptions of sociology to…

Two important developments have occurred in the field of history education that have had important implications for elementary school teachers. First, our understanding of history as a discipline reflects a new understanding about the nature and purpose of history teaching. Second, we have a better understanding of the cognitive capacities of…

Education is a goal-oriented field. But if we want to treat education scientifically so we can accumulate, evaluate, and refine what we learn, then we must develop a theoretical framework that is strongly rooted in objective observations and through which different theoretical models of student thinking can be compared. Much that is known in the…

This paper charts a cognitive history of the concepts of quantity and quality from three inter-related and inter-dependent perspectives of mathematics, logic, and physics. In so doing, other notions associated with the evolution of these concepts are identified and explicated. It is argued that the concepts of quantity and quality, considered in…

Reviews key ideas of action research in the past 15 years, particularly those of John Elliott. Describes and comments on the main characteristics of action research. Focuses on methodological and epistemological issues related to its practice. (CFR)

Asserts that metacognition is one of the most important developments in the contemporary study of learning. Proposes a theoretical analysis of a number of interrelated issues with regard to their importance for metacognition. Focuses on strategy selection in light of the impasse-based theories of problem solving. (CFR)

Presents six assumptions underlying action research, or research by classroom teachers. Contends that teachers can conduct legitimate and useful research if it is qualitative or interpretative not quantitative. Concludes that art education and art educational professionals have much to gain by engaging in action research. (CFR)

This article selectively reviews cognitive research on computer programing and suggests how it could be used to open new avenues of research in the fields of teacher education and instructional supervision. (Author/IAH)