The issue of the "research-practice gap"--the problematic relationship between research in education and educational practice--has been widely reported in the literature. This critical literature review explores some of the causes and features of the gap and suggests some possible approaches for addressing it. These solutions involve changes in…

Although research on argumentativeness appears to confirm the centuries-old "commonsense knowledge" that successful arguers enjoy arguing and are adept at remaining "cool and rational" during an argument, the empirical research itself is based on normative assumptions that underlie this Cartesian "commonsense…

Proceeds from a retrospective of conceptions of Rousseau and Froebel to argue that early-childhood education should be grounded in dimensions of subjectivity, intersubjectivity, society, and history to enable analysis of its various tasks in their respective specificity and reciprocal dependence. Characterizes the challenges facing such a theory…

The discussion of the gap between theory and practice has a long tradition in educational psychology and especially in research on learning and instruction. Starting with a short analysis of more or less elaborated approaches focusing on this problem, a complex procedure called "integrative research approach", specialized in reducing the gap…

Methodological deficiencies inherent in expert-novice reading research make it impossible to draw inferences about curriculum change. First, comparisons of intact groups are often used as a basis for making causal inferences about how observed characteristics affect behaviors. While comparing different groups is not by itself a useless activity,…

Objective: This study examined the extent to which conclusions of published outcome studies contain phrases that could be misconstrued as implying more empirical support than is warranted. Methods: All articles (N = 138) reporting outcome studies from 2000 to 2005 in two social work research journals and two topical database searches were assessed…

Of the four guides to schoolwide reform models (by Herman and others, Northwest Regional Education Laboratory, Robert Slavin, and Margaret Wang and associates), Herman's volume provides the most detailed, scholarly review. Practical information abounds, but more well-controlled and designed longitudinal studies are essential. (Contains 32…

Notes that holistic approaches to learning through play may not be universally effective with all children. Reviews studies in this journal issue, noting the absence of socioeconomic status as a variable, and questions raised by their results in the context of applying them to increasingly diverse populations. (HTH)

A literature review uncovered unclear and inconsistent concepts of cooperative education; lack of integration of theory, research, and practice; and lack of rigorous research standards. It is crucial that cooperative education be defined, its target audience identified, and principles or tenets of practice described. (SK)

Summarizes research addressing the relationship between television viewing and reading. Uses the history of this research as a case study to highlight the difficulties inherent in generating research-based responses to complex educational issues. Recommends that teachers shape and exploit the television viewing habits of their students. (MM)

Discusses an exploratory study of administrators' potential for generating knowledge out of their own practice settings. Describes various topics studied, the methods used, and the practical, epistemological, and political dilemmas encountered. Insider research could be a powerful lever for personal, professional, and organizational…

This paper analyzes the origins, growth, and present state of communication research in Latin America. Based on empirical data, the paper identifies: (1) the factors that determined the kinds of studies that emerged in the region; (2) the major research topics; (3) the most influential scholars; and (4) the main currents of theoretical influence…

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…

This article examines what science offers general and special educators who teach reading. It reviews scientific findings about reading and their practical implications and considers some broader ways that science may be useful to educators. Suggestions for educators interested in becoming more astute consumers of research are provided. (Contains…

This paper presents a critical review of literature concerning research with diagnosed populations who participated in outdoor learning experiences as part of psychiatric therapy. The paper proposes: (1) to clarify the definition of the psychotherapy related to adventure programs; (2) to develop specific training manuals that can be shared and…