This chapter describes a process for assessing programmatic initiatives with broad-ranging goals with the use of a mixed-methods design. Using an example of a day-long teaching development conference, this chapter provides practitioners step-by-step guidance on how to implement this assessment process.

Aim/Purpose: This study was aimed at enhancing students' learning of software engineering methods. A collaboration between the Computer Science, Business Management, and Product Design programs was formed to work on actual projects with real clients. This interdisciplinary form of collaboration simulates the realities of a diverse Software…

The application of educational research to practice remains an issue of concern, and yet there has been relatively little consideration of this in relation to reviews of research. While the professional user review hitherto represents the most relevant approach, this involves users applying the findings of an earlier review rather than carrying…

Describes an experiment exploring the effectiveness of four teaching methods: formal teaching, guided discovery, free discovery, and play. Concludes that all methods except free discovery are effective as long as memory is emphasized. Includes the tests used for the experiment in four appendices. Relates present results to previous research. (DK)

"Mental work" recorded in primary mathematics classes as part of the Classroom Interaction Process is not a simple, single activity of drill or quiz but a set of overlapping activities with different functions. A more analytical approach to mental work is advocated to enhance its usefulness as a classroom activity. (Author/SJL)

Underachieving high school students participated in an English program, in which they could select games or other activities as rewards for academic or social skills mastery specified in a weekly contract. Students' game preferences and teacher guidelines on game use were identified. (SJL)

Any policy of educating people for relationships incorporating the use of small groups should be based on an understanding of the method and the necessary training, according to the author, who discusses various group work practice methods that have been used and problems in some of the techniques. (MF)

Presents findings from a comparison of traditional classroom lecture on lecture-replacement stand-alone PLATO-based delivery made to learn Fortran. Two semesters were examined separately, semester one (n=54) and semester two (n=36), using a two-tailed t-test at .01 level of significance. No difference was found. (JM)

Presents 17 research paradigms students might employ for doctoral dissertations on instructional design, makes suggestions for students evaluating the literature and developing a conceptual framework for research, and summarizes dissertations developed by University of Florida doctoral students, classifying them into three research paradigms which…

Demonstrates how case study evaluation concentrates on a single situation to present a holistic view of an experiential learning program and reveals unique and unanticipated features. Outlines steps of planning, gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, and reporting data and considers the advantages and disadvantages of the case study approach. (LFL)

The definition of progress as applied to writing research and practice is examined, and three different approaches to understanding the writing of exceptional children are considered: a literal approach, an interpretive approach, and an evaluative approach. The scientific and social implications of each of the approaches are considered.…

Argues that art skills can be taught, but the way that individual artists use those skills cannot be taught. Discusses how teachers in the arts require different preparation from that provided today and that new approaches are needed to teach art lovers and aspiring professionals. (KM)

Examines the impact of program design on the development of research-based practice models. The concept of program design is reduced to elements that can be examined for their reliability, validity, relevance, and internal consistency. (Author/RWB)

Describes a study of the process of school office automation which focuses on personnel reactions to administrative computing, what users view as advantages and disadvantages of the automation, perceived barriers and facilitators of the change to automation, school personnel view of long term effects, and implications for school computer policy.…

Translates research concerning direct and nondirect instruction into workable patterns by clustering teacher behaviors included in instructional organization and management and describing teacher as center of attention in classroom. Rationale for patterns of instruction, description and example of how they may be used, and an observation…