Explores the potential of teacher research for informing theory. Contends that arguments about the perspectives of researchers and teachers are founded upon positivistic assumptions undergirding particular views of research as well as definitions of researcher and teacher. Encourages collaborative researchers to examine the philosophical bases of…

Describes a collaboration between a researcher and a fifth grade teacher, and how the teacher progressed gradually from a beleaguered instructor to a "researching teacher" capable of solving problems. (HTH)

Describes one teacher's systematic inquiry into the effectiveness of strategies to increase students' vocabularies. A research-type approach indicated that use of clarity statements and interchanges that encouraged connections to the students' own lives seemed more effective in helping students incorporate their understanding of concepts with…

Describes one multi-age classroom that includes children from 6-11 years of age (traditionally grades 1-5). Explains how this unique learning community began; how student groupings were established to promote social interaction and peer collaboration among a wide age span of children; what the class looked like in actual practice; and what the…

Discusses the meanings of collaboration from the author's perspective as a participant in classroom research. Examines a primary grade project that combined collaborative research with staff development. Notes that while participants face a risk in sustained collaboration, these partnerships can stimulate learning for teachers, administrators,…

Discusses children's interest in names, and the importance of this interest for their developing literacy. (MM)

Argues that teacher researchers are reflective practitioners searching for insights to improve their teaching practice, which does not exclude them from "proving" generalizable truths. Argues that different interpretations of the term "teacher researcher" enrich the debate. (RS)

Describes the philosophy and practices of a number of elementary teachers and the literary experiences of a few second graders in great detail. Finds that, although children may be enjoying worthwhile literary experiences in individual classrooms, they have yet to be exposed to a coherent, "institutionalized" literature program across…

Explores materials in the ERIC system dealing with the turn-taking model of classroom interaction between teacher and students. (HTH)

Reports on a study of 10 primary grade teachers in four multi-age classrooms (formed in response to a Kentucky state mandate to implement non-graded, multi-age, primary programs for children ages 5-9). Examines what teachers did to make language arts instruction work, and their continuing efforts and struggles to meet the needs of a wide variety…

Examines the range of meanings evoked by a particular photograph as a means of challenging readers to consider the complexity of teacher research. (SR)

Describes how nine teachers inquired about their students as spellers, how what they learned about students (by analyzing spelling errors) affected their instruction, and how their inquiry led to instructional changes in their classrooms. (SR)

Describes how a group of language arts teachers established a year-long research project in collaboration with a university, and how, through participation in the project, they transformed their teaching, became more active professionally, and became critical, responsive users of current research. (ARH)

Examines requests for information and action in peer-directed groups of children engaged in learning specific skills. Concludes that (1) children who use information requests effectively obtain higher test scores, (2) children can help each other learn, and (3) encouraging small group talk about a task promotes academic and social learning. (HTH)

Notes that a premium has been placed on written composition in American schools. Discusses classroom research that demonstrates the power of oral composition. Suggests that to help all children become better composers, educators must involve them in authentic oral, as well as written, composition. (SR)