This article examines the growth of practitioner research in England through the creation of the Learning and Skills Research Network (LSRN) and identifies its effect on subsequent developments in what is generally known as the Lifelong Learning Sector (LLS). It offers an analysis of this development as a case study in developing practitioner…

Policy makers and researchers may have different agendas as to what constitutes "evidence". This paper reviews some of the issues currently debated in the UK and elsewhere about researchers' understandings of how social research can usefully inform the policy-making process, and their techniques for making it available. Using examples…

Compared are boys' and girls' abilities and achievement in a research class which included both classroom and research institute experience. It was found that boys were more active in classroom interactions and that the ratings of girls and boys were otherwise not significantly different. (CW)

This report discusses findings from a research project examining the demands made on students and teachers by the "investigations" (or research) required of students in social subjects in Scottish schools. Students and teachers in six secondary schools in Scotland were interviewed, and it was found that teachers were seriously concerned…

Asserts that the teacher as researcher movement increased awareness of the human interventionary nature of teaching. Maintains that the human interventions of regular classroom practice must be subject to the same ethical scrutiny that applies to all professional endeavors. (CFR)

Discusses the teaching of a qualitative historical geography course focusing on Victorian Britain. Describes how qualitative research methods can be used in both contemporary human geography and historical geography. Includes course modifications that were suggested by students. (CFR)

Stresses the danger of sociological fieldwork in Latin America for researcher and subject. Recommends that the researcher build a network of contacts for support and protection. Discusses the interpersonal relations, problems of security, and field entry techniques involved in sensitive research situations. Suggests unobtrusive methods of research…

Describes the Streetwork project, a qualitative research project in contemporary cultural geography. Outlines the project's goals, implementation, and necessary skill training. Concludes with a discussion of problems that have occurred with the project. (CFR)

This collection of 18 essays are based on sessions and keynote speeches at the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) Conference held at Dyffrwn House, Cardiff (Wales) in November 1993. They represent the reworked and distilled thoughts of the presenters after they had had the experience of leading a workshop on a related topic. The…

This guide was written for graduate students and is intended to provide a grounding in research methods, particularly research in education, and to be a useful ongoing reference source. Each chapter was written by a professor, senior lecturer, or research specialist from a university in England. Part A, "The Concept of Research,"…

Examines the background and implementation of a student research project exploring the decisions of 16-year olds to leave or stay in school. Offers a critique of the methods of student researchers focusing upon five main issues, organization, time, equity, research style, and clashing cultures. (MJP)

Maintains that increasing competition for scarce public resource money combined with a redefinition of higher education as an instrument in economic recovery places a new and greater emphasis on research. Provides guidelines and suggestions for music research to operate and compete successfully within these parameters. Briefly discusses…

Outlines student involvement with a conservation project that aims to develop a Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Site network (RIGS) at a county level in the United Kingdom. Emphasis is placed on identifying, describing, evaluating, and documenting land forms of educational, research, historical, and/or aesthetic value. (MJP)

Contends that the division between the science and humanities inhibit the use of qualitative research in Australian college-level geography instruction. Argues that qualitative methods might be more acceptable in cultural and historical geography. Suggests that philosophy courses or foundations courses in the humanities and social sciences might…

This paper assesses some of the framework issues, of policy and provision, which affect the connections between teaching and research in higher education. The presumption of an essential linkage between research and teaching has in recent years been eroded by the sheer quantities of the system. In spite of the enduring appeal of the Humboldtian…