There is a critical difference between what educational researchers know and what educational practitioners do. Curriculum workers, who are the most important variable in improving the quality of education, must not only use research but must become a part of the R process. (HD)

In order to correct the existing breach between the educational researcher and the educator, it is advocated that Action Research replace the "common sense" approach used by most educators. The history of Action Research is traced and a comparison between formal educational research, Action Research, and the "common sense" approach is made.…

It is suggested that the potential contributions research and development activities can make to the improvement of educational practice are far from fully realized for a variety of reasons. Researchers overlook problems teachers consider important, teachers are skeptical of proposals from external groups, and researchers and teachers lack a…

Educational planning is presently confronted by an identity crisis. As long as it was believed that educational expansion was a principal ingredient for securing economic growth, democratic political processes, and greater equality of economics and social participation, the tenets and practice of educational planning were rarely questioned.…

This inquiry was conducted to develop indigenous research methodology aimed at minimizing the gap between educational research and practice. The intent was not to produce a final or complete solution to the problem, but rather to suggest a procedure which would provide partial closure. Alternative methods, including various types of linkage…

A well-developed approach to dissemination and utilization (D&U) at the four levels of spread, exchange, choice, and implementation is essential if vocational education research and development (R&D) is to achieve the measurable impact found lacking in a Committee on Vocational Education Research and Development (COVERD) assessment (1956). Federal…

This report explores, in particular, the educational R&D systems in two countries, England and New Zealand, both members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OECD review teams have been assessing the effectiveness of the educational R&D systems in these two countries in developing and applying usable…

Articulates a fundamental rationale for the practice of qualitative research in music education. Argues that knowledge and experience are by definition subjective and constructed, thereby validating research methodologies that incorporate and acknowledge these realities. Identifies eight "processes" that offer productive research opportunities.…

Development has traditionally been seen as part of a one-way street running from the researcher to the practitioner. Studies of the "mutual adaptation" of development products undercut this view of development and suggest that it should be seen as a two-way street that takes into account the practical knowledge of teachers and administrators. A…

This volume represents the output of a yearlong effort to clarify and firm the conceptual base that underlies educational RDD&E. It contains three commissioned papers authored by Drs. Hendrik D. Gideonse, Gene V Glass and Blaine R. Worthen, and by Leslie J. Briggs and one paper prepared by H. Del Schalock and G. Roger Sell of the staff of the…

This book analyzes the lessons that history can teach those who wish to reform the American education system. It traces the evolving role of the federal government in educational research; explores the course of early-childhood education in the 19th and 20th centuries; examines the history of the Follow Through program, which existed from 1967 to…

Phase 1 goal of a project was to provide the theoretical and methodological base for formulation of a prototype model of a comprehensive and effective system of disseminating vocational education improvement products. Major activities were divided into five categories: literature reviews, conferences and workshops, consultations, questionnaire…

Explores the opportunities and problems inherent in the working relationship between sociologists and educators. Examines the ways that educational sociologists can participate in linking research, policy, and practice. Posits three requirements for productive collaboration between educators and sociologists: multilingualism, mutual programs, and…

This paper addresses the problem of building the capacity for continuous renewal and reform in the educational system. The authors contend that the paradigm of R&D previously used has been too narrow, and that it is based on restrictive assumptions about how to help schools solve problems. They feel that any revised concept of "the…

Argues that a combination of communication difficulties and differing agendas hamper educational endeavors between social science researchers and educators. Recommends creating formal positions at the state or local level to facilitate linking basic and applied research to educational policy. (MJP)