This article discusses how ethnographic research can provide valuable insights into the nature and function of writing which can, in turn, be used to improve writing instruction in schools. (MT)

Difficulties arising from attempts to convert educational research into practice are reviewed, with the conclusion that confronting teachers' subjectively reasonable theories with objective nontheoretical facts will result in a set of very confusing, ineffective theories. (Author/CB)

Inservice teacher education is divided into three domains. The procedural domain includes political questions of control, support, delivery of inservice activities, and negotiation. The substantive domain involves technical issues, as in what sequence to teach skills. Within the conceptual domain, the questions are philosophically oriented. (JN)

Self-efficacy theory and research contribute to self-concept theory primarily by supporting the enhancement model of belief change. This article describes current problems with self-concept theory, describes self-efficacy research, and suggests that self-efficacy theory and methodology present findings that strengthen the association between…

A series of steps needs to be taken in preparing for research-based inservice programs: training individuals to assume the role of facilitators of inquiry; developing materials and strategies for working with classroom teachers; developing appropriate evaluation procedures; and structuring opportunities to bring together the researchers and…

Three kinds of educational research--scientific, analytic, and interpretive--are examined, and the type of inservice activity most closely related to each is discussed. Effective teaching is defined in terms of a direct instructional model for delivering skills to students. Inservice can improve teacher effectiveness by modifying teacher behavior.…