This article draws on the articulation of a value for reflexivity that has accumulated within qualitative methods debates in the past decade. It demonstrates how reflexivity is interwoven with the concept of ethical mindfulness. The argument has developed from a consideration of the ethical dilemmas that were a salient aspect of an ongoing…

Intended for students and for researchers who conduct interviews as part of case studies or as ethnography, this book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative interviewing. It shows researchers how to design research based on interview data; to stimulate conversation; to absorb what is being said;…

This qualitative study describes the outcomes of teachers from three different countries (Ghana, Spain, and USA) enrolled in a graduate educational psychology class taught by the authors. A theory-into-practice teaching approach was used to encourage in-service teachers to conduct a research process guided by the instructors. Participants engaged…

The general meaning of research data drawn from study of school improvement programs creates the opportunity for sound theory building. By emphasizing the principal's role in policy development, this paper analyzes the characteristics of large-scale educational innovation projects and their explanatory foundations. Belgium's comprehensive Renewed…

This paper presents a functional approach to assessment and associated program development for individuals with severe disabilities, with emphasis on informal strategies that target beginning communicative levels. In the first section, form, function, and context (three components of any communicative act) are defined and described. Three…

To test a situational leadership model, this study sought to determine (1) whether, among a population of educational administrators in East Tennessee, individuals possessing high flexibility/high effectiveness leadership characteristics can be identified and (2) whether those leaders consciously apply Hersey and Blanchard's concept of maturity…

This paper analyzes a research project that maps implementation efforts of comprehensive and mandated change at the primary school level in The Netherlands. In examining this large-scale national reform program, the report deals with schools whose innovation efforts acquired funding from the central education department in return for their local…

Investigates structural effects of 4 research conditions designed to facilitate reflection about teaching practices among 12 student teachers. Uses colleagues as classroom observers and conversation-participants to help student teachers analyze their teaching effectiveness and content. Employs student teachers' portfolios to promote reflection.…

Examines relationships between an elementary social studies methods course and three student teachers' beliefs and practices. Discovers significant connections between the methods course and student teacher beliefs but finds contextual constraints on implementing planning and instructional practices suggested by the methods course. Argues studies…