The guide is intended to explain and demonstrate by example how to use the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system, especially to find information pertaining to Mexican Americans. An overview of ERIC and ERIC/CRESS (ERIC Clearinghouse on Rural Education and Small Schools) is given, noting definitions, potential users, types of…

Describes a writing assignment where students summarize and critique an empirical research article cited in their textbook. Students relate the article to course materials and compare it with the textbook's presentation of the research. Participants praise the assignment's efficacy in teaching about psychology research and encouraging critical…

This guide to planning and conducting research projects covers how to decide on a research problem, state a hypothesis, plan for the collection of data, write a proposal, analyze and interpret data, and write the research report. Overall, the book takes a practical, hands-on approach and offers checklists, suggestions, and guidelines for all the…

Students often approach research assignments with no real idea of how to proceed, even after having been taught the basic library/information skills and strategies. This book gives students the skills and conceptual framework to help them become successful, independent problem-solvers. The publication defines the four basic steps in tackling a…

This paper describes the rationale behind and the development and utilization of a bibliographic instruction course which incorporates formal abstract reasoning skills. The limitations of the search strategy technique of bibliographic instruction are discussed as well as the fact that many college students have not developed sophisticated…

Maintains that direct instruction can improve significantly undergraduates citing of primary and secondary sources. Students were tested concerning definitions of primary and secondary sources, judgement of citation acceptability, and identification of samples. Students receiving posttest instruction showed marked improvement. Recommends early…

In this pilot study, a group of 41 "gifted and talented" juniors in high school English and social sciences classes used the menu-driven Wilsearch software to gather leads to information sources in order to complete their first major term paper. The study demonstrates that: (1) students had little difficulty in using the menu-driven…

Ethnography is a research methodology that belongs to a genre of research called by various names, including educational anthropology, participant observation, case study, field study, and naturalistic inquiry. Ethnography was used as the research methodology for a nine-month study of adult beginning readers in Virginia. The research design was a…

A series of both daily classroom activities and a long-term assignment in which secondary school language students actively use the Internet and the World Wide Web are described. Class activities target each of three proficiency levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced). They include having students check the weather, check out major…

Discusses a class project where students use content analysis techniques to examine societal trends of stereotyping in the media. Outlines the steps involved in this research methodology and indicates criteria that instructors could use for evaluation. Includes a table identifying tasks and research skills associated with each stage of the…

Provides a comprehensive pedagogical framework for incorporating the Geographical Information System (GIS) into college geography courses. Utilizes Berry's Geographic Matrix to develop approaches to teaching, both about GIS, and with GIS. Considers GIS as a collection of marketable skills, enabling technology, and new discipline. Includes tables…

Reviews and summarizes some of the most influential articles concerning history instruction and computers. Articles appeared in various social studies journals over the last five years. Most included specific guidelines and software reviews. Includes information on the journals reviewed. (MJP)

This book presents the collected wisdom of 35 leading Internet hunters and gatherers. Through interviews, these experts offer insights, anecdotes, tips, techniques, and case histories which will raise the "searching IQ" of any serious Internet user. The Super Net Searchers explain how they find valuable information on the Internet,…

The purpose of the workshop was to involve 30 vocational and technical teachers, supervisors, and administrators from eight states in activities to stimulate and enhance research activities. Presentations and handouts included: (1) "Vocational Education in the Decade Ahead--With Research Implications" by Ray E. Jongeward, (2) "Guidelines for the…

Draws an interesting and instructive parallel between the work of film director Alfred Hitchcock, a master craftsman and technician, and the process of academic research. Briefly identifies shared qualities of specific concepts clearly communicated: all of the parts serve the whole, and respect for the audience. (MJP)