Focusing on small-scale insider research, this book covers contemporary issues, research methods, and existing practice and values for the researcher concerned with student learning in higher education. Stressed throughout the book is the use of research to identify the ways that barriers to learning may be increased or minimized, and the extent to which a student is recognized as a valid stakeholder in institutional processes. Areas suggested for research attention include: (1) the aims and ethics of higher education; (2) student representation and participation, equality of opportunity and varieties of discrimination; (3) problems that students may face, and the differences between counseling (therapeutic) and tutoring (educational); (4) developing teaching practice, which includes curricula, theories of knowledge, and pedagogical principles; and (5) micro-politics and empowerment. A final chapter considers the elements of getting research results published. The research tasks mentioned in sidebar boxes in each chapter are listed separately. (Individual chapters contain extensive references.) (DB)