After outlining the history of action research, this paper distinguishes two varieties that are important and useful to the second-language field. The benefits of small-scale intervention as a type of action research are discussed. (100 references) (Author/LB)

Discusses collaboration between the Research and Development Center and the Institute for Responsive Education and its national reform project called the League of Schools Reaching Out. League seeks to show how school-family-community partnerships can contribute significantly to school restructuring or reform aimed at increasing all children's…

Details a program designed to encourage research projects aimed at promoting "higher literacy" carried out by middle and high school teachers of one Colorado school district. Argues for the value of individual and collaborative action-research projects by teachers. Describes the experience of the program. (HB)

A health promotion program in the Mississippi Delta used an empowerment approach based on community competence factors: participation, commitment, self-other awareness, articulateness, conflict containment, social relations, participatory decision making, and social support. After one year, community competence moved from internal social…

An action research investigation of an aquaculture project in Bangladesh resulted in a process model of interagency partnerships between nongovernmental organizations and government. Findings showed partnerships are diverse and highly vulnerable to external forces such as economics, politics, culture, and support of those in power. (SK)

Explores both historical and contemporary definitions of action research. Describes the process and goals of action research in the tradition of Lewin. Presents a case study of an action-research project involving two teams in a high-technology corporation that depicts the process in action. (Author/CCM)

Defines co-operative inquiry as a radically participative form of inquiry in which all involved are both co-researchers and co-subjects. Introduces methodology in a layperson's guide. Reflects on the learning process of an inquiry group, especially the process of research cycling, importance of peer group, and the paradoxical self-reflexive…

Questions the suitability of instructional design as a framework for educational development; proposes action research (collaboration, participation, democratic decision making, critical self examination) as an alternative approach; and presents the Action Learning Project (Hong Kong) as an example of how action research can be put into practice.…

Examined effectiveness of an 8-week "Wheel of Choice" intervention to discuss positive forms of conflict resolution among first graders. Found that students developed more positive strategies for solving conflicts. Physical and verbal aggression decreased from the first to the eighth week. Students used the "Wheel of Choice"…

Describes a project that addressed how teachers can help second language learners with the difficulties of written mathematical situations. Concludes that retrieving and transforming what students know about mathematics into their own words, and their own words into mathematical language, is a crucial part of mathematics learning. (ASK)

Describes the trial and error process over a three-year period in which a group of English teachers developed district-level content and performance standards for writing. Describes workshops which led to action research teams. Argues they did three things right: invented their own standards, shared the inventions with colleagues, and learned to…

Gives an overview of the concept of reflective practice; describes educational strategies to facilitate it; and elaborates the functions of collaboration, dialog, and action research in reflective practice. Stresses the value of cooperative education as experiential learning that links theory and practice through reflection. (SK)

Review of evidence from over 90 action research projects finds the common assertion that Asian students prefer passive learning and resist teaching innovations is not correct. Argues that the motivation displayed by Asian students is not an extrinsic form of motivation, which depresses intrinsic motivation, and that the high levels of achievement…

A Georgia middle school's action-research project had three goals: understanding its students; improving the classroom curriculum and developing the requisite teaching skills; and examining the consequences of team or school policies and programs. Evaluations are discussed from varying staff perspectives. (MLH)

Case study of a community and youth leadership development program in Rural Georgia illustrates a blend of traditional and participatory strategies, including participatory action research. Evaluation demonstrates the importance of working with community culture, forming cohesive groups, choosing facilities carefully, and reconciling community and…