This report describes a program for improving active and critical listening skills for elementary age students. The targeted population consists of middle school children located near a large midwestern city. The problems of poor listening skills are documented through data revealing the need for attending interventions that have been put in…

Describes the use of the action planning and research process (APR) by seven collaborative teams with 29 students having emotional or behavioral disorders in a middle school. The process involves student identification; systematic student assessment in interpersonal, emotional, cognitive, and biological areas; developing and implementing…

Using a symbolic interactionism theoretical perspective, this project examined the merits of team collaborative action research as a tool in comprehensive staff development for middle- grade teachers. The specific question examined during the action research was how inclusion of special needs students affects the academic and social achievement of…

This middle and high school vocational education teacher examined why his students were not following written directions. He used three styles of instruction and observed students' ability to complete tasks. Student interviews indicated that students had vocabulary deficiencies (both technical and everyday words), and that illustrations helped…

This report describes a program that used both critical and creative thinking skills to enhance the educational process in language arts. The targeted population consisted of fourth- and seventh-grade students in two growing, middle-class communities located in northern Illinois. The lack of higher-order thinking skills was documented through…

An action research report described a program for enhancing students' ability to focus on instructional processes and oral directions. The targeted population was comprised of 4th-, 5th-, and 8th-grade students from 3 different metropolitan schools in southwest Cook County, Illinois. The problem of off-task behavior, including distractible…

The purpose of this monograph is to heighten awareness about action research for both teachers and administrators involved in California middle level reform efforts. This approach to educational research is a means of developing knowledge through collaboration in a process that improves both student learning and professional autonomy. The…

This book offers middle school educators information about inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning, highlighting the I-Search process. I-Search offers a powerful mix of ingredients (e.g., respecting curiosity, supporting independence, and fostering creativity) to capture students' and teachers' imaginations. It makes research more learner…

As a student teacher who had just finished her teaching assignment at Old Dominion Middle School in central Virginia, the author was struck by differences in students' classroom and hallway behavior. Whereas students were calm and respectful inside classrooms, they pushed, cursed, and ran in hallways while teachers looked on. Wondering why…

An action research project involving a 7th grade mathematics teacher and a school principal examined the teacher's methods of instruction and beliefs about instruction to see if they matched. The principal used several forms of data collection to examine espoused curriculum theory beliefs, including conversations; mentoring dialogue; formal and…

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 report describes a program for using graphic organizers to enhance reading comprehension in the content areas. The targeted population consisted of middle school students in regular education classes at four different locations in a large metropolitan area. Graphic organizers will aid visually/spatially talented students as well as…

This paper discusses the National Science Foundation Middle School Mathematics and Science Collaborative (MSC) project designed to help schools implement mathematics and science reform. The paper consists of descriptions of these efforts in four schools: (1) "Summer Subversion/Constructivist Conversion" is about the re-tailoring of…

Data from a computerized circulation system were used to analyze usage patterns of a middle school library (grades 6-8) and to suggest ways the available data may be interpreted and used to decide upon future collection management and acquisition policies. Tables show composition and use of the various ranges in the collection. (14 references)…

This paper considers the purposes, methods, findings, and significance of the British Library LESSEN (Learning Support for Special Education Needs) Project. The focus was on Year 7 students (students aged 11-12, in their first year of secondary education) in ten English secondary schools who were on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) register…