This chapter calls for researchers to reconceptualize research quality from the perspective of its expected use, attending to power dynamics that influence how knowledge is defined, constructed, and validated through the research enterprise. Addressing these concerns when designing and conducting education research can yield more useful research…

Interest in strengthening the impact and value of education research has been growing around the world. Here I outline a view of the nature of "impact" and point to instances where research has had a positive impact in education, but always within a larger social and political framework. A three element "model" of research impact is developed and…

Identifies the forces that influence how developmental research is prioritized and evaluated and how these influences are changing at entry into the new millennium. Considers the developmental researcher in context, suggesting that there will be increasing pressure to use new criteria when assessing the significance of twenty-first-century…

A study examined the distribution, use, and impact of vocational education research and development (R&D) products developed with Federal monies during fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Distribution data for the study were obtained from responses to questionnaires from 22 of the 32 states with products accepted by the Educational Resources…

Describes the design and operation of a prototype online catalog; reviews research which evaluated the system in terms of types of searches and success rates; and offers suggestions for enhancing subject access, including automatic stemming, synonym tables and cross-reference lists, and relevance feedback mechanisms. (CLB)

This book contains a series of articles which grow out of the assumption that American public schools and teacher-training institutions can and will renew themselves and adapt to the needs of a changing society. A further assumption is that an emerging new discipline -- educational development -- can play a catalytic role in the change process…

Considers problems wrought by protracted and potentially disruptive research conducted in school environments. Seeks to reconcile researcher and school interests. Presents a case study research project in which designating a teacher as a research assistant prevented many problems. Stresses maintaining cooperation and the importance of schools…