Currently, the issue of inequality is one of the most pressing concerns in education and educational research. Factors such as increased socio-economic inequality, movement of people across national boundaries and refugees create major challenges for local communities and schools. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that teaching and leadership are…

This position paper addresses some enduring, as well as emerging issues, associated with the crucial question of benchmarking understandings about nature of science (NOS) for precollege science education. The question of benchmarking NOS understandings is revisited in light of the often cited, continuing debates among historians, philosophers, and…

The Group of Eight (Go8) welcomes the Government's commitment to developing a comprehensive research workforce strategy. Australia's research capacity and the continuing translation of research into policy, products and services is directly linked to the future productivity of the economy, social wellbeing, environmental outcomes and the nation's…

FIVE MAJOR TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONAL SETTINGS FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ARE IDENTIFIED BY S.D. SIEBER--(1) UNIVERSITY BASED, (2) REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES, (3) STATE DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION, (4) LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS, AND (5) PRIVATE TESTING AND RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS. FOUR PROBLEM AREAS RELATED TO EACH SETTING ARE DEALT WITH BY N.L.…

A SUGGESTED MODEL FOR ADEQUATE DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS CONSIDERS FOUR PRIMARY BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION--(1) DIVISION OF PERSONNEL LABOR INTO TASK ROLES, (2) INSTITUTIONAL DISTINCTIONS, (3) DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE GROUPS, AND (4) GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS. SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS INCLUDE LINKING SYSTEMS AND ROLES,…

Presents excerpts from a symposium in Charlottesville (VA) at which researchers, policymakers, and journalists discussed educational issues and the relationship of research to reform. Discusses issues concerning communication problems between groups and why it is important to keep talking with each other. Explores ways of improving the…

Addresses the role of art education research, postulating that an adequate research base is needed in order to make constructive decisions pertaining to art education. Discusses research trends, sociopolitical nature of research, suggestions for further research, and deficiencies in art education. (GG)

While small-scale initiatives in educational innovation do have advantages, problems are often encountered during the process of project replication or extension. Increased awareness of potential hazards with regard to pilot projects is a prerequisite for successful educational planning and development. (RM)

Reviews research done in conjunction with educational reform in the Soviet Union, highlighting the work of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences. Criticizes research for short-sightedness, lack of coordination, and failure to unite theory and practice. Delineates shortcomings and calls for greater integration and a broader, more creative vision for…

This presentation uses the premise that educational practice currently derives little benefit from the mass of ongoing research as a starting point for a reassessment of the values and goals of research. Particular emphasis is placed on the relation between research and educational practices involving 4-year-olds. The first part of the discussion…

The EERJ roundtable took as its point of departure the experience of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) in carrying out policy research. CERI has conducted four reviews of national educational research and development (in New Zealand, England, Mexico and…

LINKING ROLES IN THE DISSEMINATION AND UTILIZATION OF KNOWLEDGE ARE INVESTIGATED. THE VARIOUS TYPES OF AGENTS LINKING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE INCLUDE--(1) THE CONVEYOR, (2) THE CONSULTANT, (3) THE LEADER, (4) KNOWLEDGE BUILDERS, (5) THE DEFENDER, (6) THE INNOVATOR, (7) PRACTITIONERS, AND (8) THE USER. THREE ISSUES CONCERNING THE INSTITUTIONAL…

Explores reasons for the tenuous relationship between educational research and educational practice. Suggests changes in research and policy to bring educational research directly to bear on educational problems. The major problem is that researchers are searching for variables that relate to improved outcomes, whereas educational innovators are…

Action research, a term first used in the 1940's by Kurt Lewin, implies the application of tools and methods of social science to immediate, practical problems, with the goals of contributing to theory and knowledge in the field of education and improving practice in the schools. Collaborative action research suggests that each group represented…

Objectives, challenges, and needs of an educational research and development center at Biyadh University, Saudi Arabia are discussed. Major objectives of the center are to cooperate with the ministry of education and other agencies in conducting projects, to foster research projects of qualified individuals, and to exchange information and…