There is little discussion in the Design-Based Research (DBR) literature on how to design an intervention that has the potential to be highly effective. The act of designing is usually viewed as engineering something from theory or research on best practices. This paper challenges that universal belief and presents successful design as an…

In January 2011, a Joint Committee of representatives from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) began work to establish cross-agency guidelines for improving the quality, coherence, and pace of knowledge development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Although the…

Cognizant of the research gap in the theorization of mobile learning, this paper conceptually explores how the theories and methodology of self-regulated learning (SRL), an active area in contemporary educational psychology, are inherently suited to address the issues originating from the defining characteristics of mobile learning: enabling…

Development research methodology (DRM) has been recommended as a viable research approach to expand the practice-to-theory/theory-to-practice literature that human performance technology (HPT) practitioners can integrate into the day-to-day work flow they already use to develop instructional products. However, little has been written about how it…

Design-based research is a burgeoning research paradigm holding the promise of introducing more socially responsible studies to transform education. However, there is a lack of methodological standards and established research processes to inform this type of study. Although there are general principles and procedures on design-based research,…

This report reviews the research and development (R&D) structures and practices for vocational education, training, and employment in the United States, Germany, France, Sweden, and England. The organization and management of each country's R&D system as well as R&D agendas and priorities are analyzed. General observations and…

This discussion was presented at a symposium organized to study the usage of systematic research, development, diffusion, and evaluation (RDD&E) strategies being used in the establishment of RDD&E training programs. Three levels of exploring these programs are suggested: looking at specific RDD&E projects, allowing the Research Training Branch of…

This paper describes how the Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) operated the first study groups, what topics they investigated, what fruit they bore, and what the study group members and AEL staff later said they would do differently or the same way next time. Major topics discussed in the paper are: how groups were initiated and organized,…

A model for educational research and development is presented which, like an agricultural experiment station, would exist to interpret research findings, translating them into usable form. Allocations of funds would be made so that the bulk of the funds would go to the actual utilization levels. A plan for using such educational stations is…

Compared Rothman's social research and development (R&D) method with procedure used to develop Suicide Prevention Training Programs in Alberta, Canada. Retrospective review found that Alberta method closely paralleled phases of Rothman's model and that transformation of knowledge about suicide into widely disseminated suicide prevention…

At Stephen F. Austin State University (Texas), focus group research was conducted to determine research needs and to inform the development of a new educational research center. Four graduate research assistants and a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership formed a study group to review the literature on focus groups and…

This feasibility study contains a design for evaluating vocational education research and development (R & D). The study developed a model for evaluating vocational education R & D based on legislative frames of reference for research, exemplary projects, and curriculum development. Called an Impact Tracer Model, the program is based on…

Strengths and weaknesses of three types of semiquantitative methods used by the federal government in research impact assessment are presented, and examples of their use are reviewed. These include the classic retrospective method, another retrospective approach, and accomplishments books used by selected research-sponsoring organizations. (SLD)

Articles in this special issue deal with the assessment of the impact of research and are divided into segments concerning semiquantitative approaches; qualitative approaches; and quantitative and fiscal approaches. These articles illustrate the importance of the role of motivation and associated incentives. (SLD)

TWENTY-FIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL PERSONNEL RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION ATTENDED A SEMINAR WHERE THE OBJECTIVES WERE -- (1) TO STIMULATE THE INITIATION OF INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS IN OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION AT THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE LEVEL, (2) TO ASSIST LOCAL OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION PERSONNEL IN PLANNING SUCH…