Mathematics education has benefited from qualitative methodological approaches over the past 40 years across diverse topics. Although the number, type, and quality of qualitative research studies in mathematics education has changed, little is known about how a collective body of qualitative research findings contributes to our understanding of a…

Scholars of educational change agree that leaders need to develop a vision, build capacity and ensure ownership of change by staff. We argue that understanding the actual work that leaders must do in order to convert these categories into action, requires a social practice approach. Taking the notion of sense-making as a social practice, drawn…

The practice of law depends on capacity to observe facts and base advice/strategies on such observations. Most of this is not taught in law schools, even in clinical experiences. Fact consciousness can be taught through traditional case analysis, emphasizing personal observation and use of past experiences, particularly stressful experiences.…

Case Studies in Science Education used a combined research approach of case study and survey to address the question of the status of science education in the United States. Nine experienced researchers with backgrounds in anthropology, sociology, educational psychology, and science education conducted eleven case studies. These field researchers…

Three case studies illustrate problems in the identification of gifted students when tests are not used appropriately. The paper concludes that testing must occur within the context of intensive observations of and discussions with the child and family. The importance of all teachers receiving training in gifted education is stressed. (DB)

Comments on the article by Wallace and others in this issue. Discusses the history of diaries and diarists in child psychology and comments on modern diary studies. Examines some of the benefits and challenges of using diaries as a research method and suggests that old and new diary studies can contribute to the progress of contemporary…

Comments on the article by Wallace and others in this issue. Suggests that baby diarists kept records to clarify their own thinking rather than to contribute to a body of knowledge. Although noting the value of baby diaries, proposes a revival of similar methods that would enable researchers to address some of the fundamental issues in child…

Instruments used to rate college teachers should undergo the scientific scrutiny expected of any psychological instrument. The construction of rating instruments through collective bargaining without scientific pilot testing thwarts the desired goal of assisting faculty and administrators in learning about teaching performance. These contentions…

Based on the view that instructional supervision means the improvement of both teachers and instruction, this paper attempts to show how instructional supervision is managed and administered by one principal. Data were gathered through observation and interviews conducted for a related study by the author on teacher rewards. The bulk of the paper…

In seven articles methods of enhancing clinical practice through empirical approaches and realistic approaches and realistic research are discussed including: (1) Cronbach's method of intensive observation; (2) intensive monitoring of treatment strength, integrity, and effectiveness; (3) the use of dependent measures; (4) drawing valid conclusions…

Uses case studies on promoting interaction skills for integrating young children with special needs in nursery schools to examine the link between research methodology and promotion of educational quality. Asserts that the research process can influence interaction strategies and promote effective, reflective practice. Notes that teams need…