The purpose of this letter to the editor is to comment on several review papers recently published in the current "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Special Issue on Technology: Software, Robotics, and Translational Science." These reviews address a variety of aspects relating to technology-aided intervention and instruction…

In fall 1983, the author was asked to write a column that would bridge the gap between researchers and practitioners and systematize "Phi Delta Kappan's" haphazard approach to reporting research studies. For the column's 20th anniversary, the author wrote a three-part series, "The Trouble with Research," which talks about how research has been…

This commentary observes that the contributions to this special issue of this journal not only show that the question of the relationship between research and practice is still very much alive today but they are also testimony to the persistent nature of this question. This suggests that the issue of the relationship between research and practice…

Examines the meaning of scholarship in student affairs from teaching and research perspectives. Several concerns related to what is taught, how it is taught, and to whom it is taught are addressed. Argues that various notions of research should be considered as scholarship as long as rigorous, traditional, methodological standards are practiced.…

The article summarizes a report of the Commission on Reading which lends support (based on research findings) to many of the practices embodied in the Direct Instruction Model. The Commission recommends practices such as early teaching of reading and parent involvement that are closely tied to Direct Instruction strategies. (DB)

This article introduces a series of papers on cognitive process-based instruction for students with learning disabilities. Cognitive process-based instruction is defined and differentiated from the process training advocated by S. Kirk in the 1970s. The method's basis of sound theory and academic tasks is stressed. (DB)

This is a commentary paper in the volume on "Teachings situations as object of research: empirical studies within theoretical perspectives". An essential object of mathematics education research is the analysis of interactive teaching and learning processes in which mathematical knowledge is mediated and communicated. Such a research perspective…

America is a knowledge-based society. But the knowledge business has a problem. It does not know enough. When General Electric or Microsoft has a problem, it spends several percent of its revenues--perhaps billions of dollars--on research and development. It does so despite enormous demands on the resources that drive its profits. Historically, as…

In response to a previous article, the paper argues that effective instruction of the learning disabled is most likely to develop from systematic theoretically based research though instructional studies can contribute to theory development. Research in many other areas is necessary to develop the powerful teaching methods required. (DB)

Examines three challenges facing the field of early childhood education: (1) homogenization of early childhood education; (2) over-scientization of the field; and (3) bureaucratization of early childhood education. (KB)

There is evidence that many counselors currently perceive research as irrelevant to their work, possibly because the present model of training counselors to solve problems is inadequate. There are ways in which applied training can be restructured so that counselors will be better able to apply research findings to their practice. (Author)

This commentary on C. Addison Stone's paper on the scaffolding metaphor for the learning disabilities field urges that all available literature, rather than a particular metaphor, should be used to evaluate the efficacy of instructional procedures in interpreting findings of instructional research. (Author/DB)

Reports on case studies in English Language Teaching (ELT) of the "four-skill hypothesis" in order to show that an empirically grounded ELT theory is possible. Several hypotheses which control pedagogical decision-making (but for which substantial evidence of their efficacy is lacking) are uncovered. (SED)

Draws on research/development projects aimed at raising achievement through teaching thinking to explore core concepts of thinking skills and learning. Argues that educators need to move from the idea of developing the thinking child to creating powerful learning environments, thinking classroom, schools, and communities. Discusses approaches to…

This article describes virtual reality (VR) technology and discusses its potential application to the teaching of social skills to children and youth with behavior disorders through the use of interactive role plays. Limitations of the current technology and difficulties inherent in modeling simulations of human behavior are noted, as are…