The implementation of an educational reform and the subsequent reconfiguration of curricula in a competency format prompted research into the learning experiences of students within a newly reconfigured competency-based curriculum. The curriculum was the technical and further education (TAFE) New South Wales (NSW) Tertiary Preparation Certificate…

This book includes: a theoretical summary of the various facets of motivation, an examination of how the theoretical insights can help classroom practitioners in their everyday teaching practice and practical recommendations on how motivation can be researched and assessed. The following chapters are included: "Main Challenges of Motivation…

This document is comprised of the two 2000 issues of a biannually-published journal featuring research studies, theoretical essays, and classroom practice articles about the development and education of kindergarten children as well as occasional articles concerning preschool and the early primary grades. The spring 2000 issue contains the…

Thirty-four representatives of the Department for Education and Employment and other national organizations in the United Kingdom, researchers and educators in the fields of career education and guidance, and guidance practitioners from careers service companies and higher education institutions explored ways of developing a research culture in…

This action research project investigated the effects of music on the behavior and performance of students (ages 3-21) with multiple disabilities, mental retardation, or severe mental retardation in four self-contained special education classrooms. The teacher researchers involved in the study made no assumptions with regard to the outcomes. It…

This study examines the changing role of bilingual education in a Title I elementary school in Northern California in the wake of the passage of Proposition 227. It is found that native language literacy is an important component in the academic success of English language learners and that reading in the native language does not detract form from…

Teacher action research using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used to examine impacts of using visual learning strategies on five preschool children (ages 3-5) with autism in a self-contained classroom. During the six weeks of the study, pictures representing nine learning areas and specific developmental…

This paper describes how the researcher revised an action research class for preservice Masters students within the larger context of school improvement. Analysis of students' action research projects revealed some ironic and unintended consequences of linking action research to school improvement. Analysis of the researcher's own pedagogical…

This study examined whether the effects of collaboration between schools and higher education would persist 1 year after discontinuation of an action research project. Participants were teachers and other district personnel who had completed an action research seminar the previous year. They completed a survey that compared their present attitudes…

A former eighth grade reading and writing teacher considers how her experience in a classroom workshop for readers and writers has affected her behavior with her young daughter. Emphasizes providing children with adequate time to read, choice of what to read, and opportunities to respond. (RAE)

Presents the story of one beginning teacher educator's struggles with grading. She used participant observation and action research to better understand grades and improve her grading practices. The paper examines political, cultural, and ethical contexts of her grading decisions; describes manifestations of grade orientation; and discusses…

Two classroom research studies of fourth graders employed group grading to increase cooperation among group members and mathematics test scores of low achievers. Results indicated that group grading was more effective with students who enjoyed working in groups and who accepted the method of assessment than with students who did not like group…

Teachers can contribute to educational improvement by conducting classroom research concerning teaching and learning processes. Action research as staff development advances professional inquiry, improves education, and promotes teacher development. The article lists seven conditions necessary for the school environment for action research to…

The University of Georgia's Network of English Teachers and Students emphasizes teacher research and collaborative inquiry, with mentor teachers and teacher candidates working as co-researchers and co-learners. Teacher candidates take a full courseload and also conduct five classroom research projects, guided by mentors. This paper describes the…

Identifies and examines ethical issues involved when teachers conduct research involving their own students, exploring the movement to increase the relevance of research on and for teachers, discussing specific issues in teacher research, describing dual-role conflicts, and relating those problems to the difficulties of deciding what is research…