Purpose: The article examines the conditions by which research alliances (RAs) can support district officials in learning how to design and manage more equitable education systems. Special attention is given to the role of theoretically driven research in facilitating learning and the accumulation of expert knowledge. Methods: Results are informed…

This volume draws together interdisciplinary approaches from political philosophy, social work, medicine and sociology to analyze the theoretical foundations and practical examples of evidence-based and evidence-informed education for the public good. It presents a range of conceptions of the evidence-based and evidence-informed education and a…

In the present paper, the development and use of a specific set of pedagogical design principles in a large research and development project are analysed. The project (the Knowledge Practices Laboratory) developed technology and a pedagogical approach to support certain kinds of collaborative knowledge creation practices related to the…

The article is based on a research and development project conducted in a Norwegian lower secondary school. The purpose of the text is to show how a project involving a researcher and a teacher team encourages the teachers to reflect on teaching processes, and, furthermore, to show what the form and content of such reflection processes could be.…

We argue that the existence of the gap is perhaps a result of an overallegiance to the medical model and the lack of measurable criteria regarding the definition of an educated and psychologically healthy student. Further, an additional and equally daunting problem for school psychological practice is that it is influenced by general education…

This article presents a critical review of complexity theory in relation to educational research. The "analytical reductionist" approach is one in which the educational researcher seeks to reduce complex wholes to particular factors and to identify correlations between them and desirable outcomes. Complexity theory shows how this approach in…

Educational theory should be the foundation for most practice and research, but this is not a one-way relationship. Good inductive research may help to develop theory instead of coming from it. The relationship of theory to research can be different in qualitative research than in quantitative research. Practice can and should also inform and be…

Discusses the history of curriculum theory, reasons for the gap between theory and practice, and propositions for improving the relationship. Literature shows little progress in reducing the gap. Three movements may offer theorists and practitioners more curriculum control and reduce the gap: empowering teachers, professionalizing teaching, and…

Reports on case studies in English Language Teaching (ELT) of the "four-skill hypothesis" in order to show that an empirically grounded ELT theory is possible. Several hypotheses which control pedagogical decision-making (but for which substantial evidence of their efficacy is lacking) are uncovered. (SED)

Theory and research provide insight into the characteristics, needs, and teaching preferences of adult learners in the college classroom. This chapter provides an overview of the literature on adult learning and education theory, along with recommendations for practice. (Contains 46 references.) (Author)

Discusses research issues related to using cognitive learning and instructional theory to design technology-based learning environments such as hypertext and hypermedia. A "Theory-to-Design" framework is described, and the framework is then used to analyze theoretical and design issues raised in a hypermedia research project. (Contains…

Experts discuss the approaches used with the nations's gifted and talented students. Among the reasons for program problems is the on-again, off-again interest from the U.S. public and policymakers. Highlights milestones in gifted education; theories of acceleration vs. enrichment; and the controversial option of residential schools. (MLF)

Summarizes key characteristics of whole language. Theoretical views of learners, teachers, language, and curriculum are explicated. The strong research base for whole language is considered. Potential research on whole language classrooms is discussed. (BB)

Identifies socioeducational research problems in Latin America, relating them to colonialism's legacy. Contends confusion over development goals impairs setting research priorities; reliance on Western research paradigms impedes developing indigenous models; and, for research to have impact on education, decision makers must have more access to…

This document contains three papers from a symposium on tools in human resource development (HRD). "Game Theory Methodology in HRD" (Thomas J. Chermack, Richard A. Swanson) explores the utility of game theory in helping the HRD profession address the complexity of integrating multiple theories for disciplinary understanding and…