Academics who specialise in improving the teaching of "hard" sciences like chemistry, biology, maths and physics are increasing in number and influence at Australian universities. Those in academia who have channelled their energies into teaching are delighted with this development. It means that many committed tertiary teachers can now look…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of 12 self-identified well doctoral students at a mid-size, western university in the U.S. to develop an understanding of the positive approaches doctoral students take to their academic pursuits. With an attrition rate of up to 50 percent in doctoral education, exploring…

This paper explores the use of technological tools often utilized for traditional distance learning course delivery to provide a means of allowing virtual participation in a month-long geography field-course. Students participated in documenting the daily activities through digital photography and construction of a regularly updated course web…

The Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations (LPO) at Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, recently replaced the conventional Ed.D. dissertation with a team-produced, client-consultant oriented, culminating report. This article describes the purpose and principles associated with the "capstone" project and describes the…

In this essay, Cathy Sandeen states that the new postsecondary landscape requires looking at higher education as a system that provides multiple pathways in and through the various parts of the system, all with the goal of helping students complete a postsecondary degree, credential, or certificate. Sandeen observes two strengths in professional…

Although field studies in human geography have some advantages over restricted classroom and laboratory studies, special methodological and ethical concerns arise. For example, field studies are able to take into account the complexity of events in natural settings as opposed to the controlled setting of a laboratory, particularly when subjects…

Provides suggestions for an archaeology activity for elementary school children. (PEB)

A case for adopting participatory research methods in adult education, based on the research activities of the author while in Africa, is presented. Four shortcomings regarding survey research methodology and seven principles for developing participatory research methods are discussed. (LH)

Describes an insectary which is inexpensive and easily constructed of small blocks of wood with holes drilled in them. Suggests several areas for study which can be accomplished with the insectary. (SLH)

This paper contains a description of the cross-over type of experimental design as well as a case study of its use in field testing audiovisual materials related to teaching handicapped children. Increased efficiency is an advantage of the cross-over design, while difficulty in selecting similar format audiovisual materials for field testing is a…

Contrasts popular myths about managers' duties with the facts, as indicated by various studies of managers and how they function. The author argues that managers often have distorted views of their role, and that they must first recognize what their job really involves in order to perform it effectively. (JG)

The purpose of this study was exploration of the role shift from participant to observer in educational research and evaluation. Examples and counter-examples of graduate students who were experiencing the role shift were explored. Generalizations were made in order to abstract the data, and draw the conclusion that ethnographic approaches…

Field researchers of sign language are the target of this methodological guide. The prospective researcher is briefed on the rationale of sign language study as language study and as distinct from the study of kinesics. Subjects covered include problems of translating, use of interpreters, and ethics. Instruments for obtaining social and language…

There has been a decrease in research and development activities focused on agricultural education probably due to expanded research in other areas. The document consists of 20 abstracts of completed studies and a list of 27 studies that were in progress during the preparation of this report. The research abstracts, arranged alphabetically by…