This action research study addresses the link between building evaluation capacity and enhancing evaluation use for learning. The author shares her experiences and reports on the evidence collected from a set of self-evaluation capacity-building interventions that she implemented. Using a mixed-method approach, the author first determined that the…

The Department of Accounting at California State University Northridge (CSUN) has developed a unique sequence of courses designed to ensure that accounting students are trained not only in technical accounting, but also acquire critical thinking, research and communication skills. The courses have proven effective and have embedded assessment…

We report on an outcomes assessment of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Using follow-up survey data and academic transcripts, we gauge SURE's impact on levels of interest in, preparedness for, and actual pursuit of graduate study and professional careers in the sciences for the…

The Anthropometric Training Project was aimed at providing a training program for select students to develop research competency in an area relating body type, composition, anthropometric assessment, and physical performance measures. The program involves interdisciplinary cooperation in training through seminars, laboratory practice, and…

This paper discusses objectives associated with the training of education students in statistical techniques. A historical study shows misconceptions in the areas of evaluation and measurement. Further, the typical preparation in quantitative methodology provides insufficient experience with analysis of problems and development of hypotheses.…

This article describes how to improve students' notetaking skills by having them pretend they are journalists wiring in a story. Students must pare down information to the essentials and calculate telegram costs. Sample exercises and a reproducible page are provided. (JL)

The article provides guidelines for readers who must read research articles but lack formal training in research and statistics. While discussing the purpose and content of each section of a research article (such as review of the literature, materials and procedures, and results) the author uses actual articles to illustrate her points.…

The article describes five research activities designed to expose elementary gifted students to the resources available for historical and descriptive research. Activities include describing the day of their birth, investigating origins of their street name, examining objects from the past, and researching the lives of famous people. (CL)

Guidelines for planning and conducting single subject research in special education are given, and three basic procedures for use in classrooms are discussed: selecting appropriate target behaviors, designing observational assessment procedures, and selecting cost-effective means for data collection by classroom personnel. (Author/CL)

This paper considers the range of research methods used by the United Kingdom education research community. Using insights from 25 interviews with key stakeholders, it seeks to describe what the current strengths and weaknesses in methods are, and the methodological developments that are needed for the future health of the field. Using survey…

Recommends criteria related to statement of problem and hypotheses, choice of design, control of variables, analysis of data, and reporting of conclusions and implications in research studies. Bibliography. (MD)

Suggests that longitudinal research can provide more depth and allow for reflection on and confirmation of results. Advises researchers to prepare for longitudinal studies by building on research history, carefully designing instruments, considering costs, and making a plan for data treatment. Outlines a sequence of steps for conducting research…

Analyzes how Thomas Kuhn's writings are used by others, especially science education researchers. Examines who cites Kuhn, in what manner, and why. (Author/CCM)

The aim of this descriptive research study was to assess the skill level, confidence, and overall research readiness of selected groups of graduate students (on and off campus) within two divisions housed in the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary. The researchers expected participants to overestimate the value of the Internet as a…

The article presents a faculty-librarian collaborative course model for information literacy instruction for liberal arts students. Information literacy was integrated seamlessly into a master's thesis seminar, and the faculty member and librarian worked together to teach students effective research skills while helping them make personal…