This resource has been written specifically for higher education practitioners who are interested in improving students' learning experiences through the process of researching their own practice. We use the term 'higher education practitioners' to describe all who work in universities and who have a stake in students' learning experiences.…

The present volume collects papers from InnoConf18 [Innovative Language Teaching and Learning at University Conference], which took place at the University of Liverpool in June 2018. The theme of the conference was "New trends in language teaching and learning at university." The contributions collected here aim to reflect on best…

This paper reviews four currently recognized modes of inquiry available to reading researchers, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The paper discusses empiricism, interpretive research, critical science/theory, and action research, briefly describing the purposes, goals, and assumptions underlying each mode of inquiry. The…

In this book, two teachers share their experiences as researchers to confront and address the current disagreements about whether empirical research or narrative recounting is a better research model. In the book they seek to transcend these disagreements by endorsing an integrative approach that covers all aspects of practitioner inquiry, joining…

This guide defines action research and provides historical and theoretical contexts for its use. Specific advice is given for the teacher-researchers engaging in action research, and a case study provides an extended example of the action research process. The chapters are: (1) "Understanding Action Research"; (2) "Deciding on an Area of Focus";…

Argues that collaborative research by practicing teachers and university faculty can promote educational reform. Looks at educational reform in North America, teachers' roles in educational reform, classroom action research at the Cambridge Institute of Education Network, team research involving teachers and university faculty, and advantages of…

It is proposed that action research, as distinguished from traditional research, has a role in graduate management education. It is suggested that the former is more appropriate for developing managerial competencies. Differences between master's-level and doctoral-level action research projects are noted, and related issues for curriculum design…

Examines causes of the threatened closure of University of Michigan's School of Education (e.g., inadequate enrollment, professional isolation/insulation, imitative research, information gaps, and lack of recognition for innovation). Concludes that the School must maintain a balance of action-oriented research, teaching excellence, and service in…

This paper describes how a language teacher educator guides her students through a particular literacy research project, with the goal of helping students to enjoy their research experience. It outlines two stages to make up the entire assignment--the interview and the paper. It describes the development of questions for the purpose of gaining…

This study examined the first-year postsecondary experiences of students through an action research project with small groups of students at three postsecondary institutions (one community college, one university college, and one university). The paper reviews the action research design method and highlights its utility in analyzing the effects of…

An action-inquiry strategy that colleges, universities, and state agencies can use to design and test new approaches to tuition and student aid is proposed. Several institutional aid policy case studies are examined from two perspectives: as a process of rethinking the theories underlying current policy, and from the viewpoint of communication…

A discussion of classroom research to promote instructional improvement at the college level looks at how it can be effective in faculty development and describes several research projects. Issues in research promotion, design, and methodology and the feasibility of such projects in instructional development units are considered. (Author/MSE)

This guide provides practical advice, based on research expertise, for teachers looking for reliable research results without waste of time or effort. The six sections of the guide present and discuss the decisions and actions that have to be taken to get good results: (1) the pros and cons of collecting information by questionnaire; (2) sampling;…

This book describes the essential components of any teacher-researcher group. Part I describes an experience, a process, that aids teacher-researchers in completing a study. Part II reexamines the issues and questions surrounding teacher research, as they have both shifted and steadied over the years. Part III consists of research articles written…

Two classroom studies assessed the introduction of innovative instructional techniques, based on adult learning principles, in optometric education. The first involved group projects and related student presentations, and the second introduced active learning methods in place of lectures. (Author/MSE)