Many teachers view educational research as inaccessible, irrelevant, and sometimes wrong. The Educational Research and Dissemination Program translates research into practical classroom applications and gives teachers the opportunity to adapt and refine it. (Author/LHW)

Education, as a field of research, is not clear-cut, well-defined and delimited; it encompasses humanities and behavioral and social sciences. Although expectations about educational research outcomes helping to frame policy and improve practice are frequently unrealistic, the different methodological approaches are not necessarily in conflict.…

Quantitative comparative research provides lessons for educational planners and policymakers unrelated to theoretical labels. This point is illustrated by comparative education "solutions" to typical policy problems in developing countries: increasing access to primary education, expanding secondary and postsecondary education, improving…

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…

Explores why K-12 music educators have been slow to incorporate research results into teaching practices. Reviews types and roles of music research, their value, application and relevance to teaching. Suggests teachers will become more effective by integrating research into music programs. (NL)

The New Literacy Studies (NLS) is an approach that places literacy in its wider context of institutional purposes and power relationships. The NLS has been suggested as offering a useful theoretical basis from which to proceed in developing sustainable lifelong learning in relation to literacy. The first of three issues related to this suggestion…

An evaluation of the extent to which research influences decision making in vocational education and training (VET) at the policy level necessitates consideration of these three areas: (1) decision making; (2) research; and (3) linkages. First, the impact of research on decision making incorporates these two elements: (1) use; and (2) influence.…

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…

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…

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)

Argues that while gender and political research are not necessarily done by individuals with feminist goals, their application in the classroom potentially helps answer the question of how to make democracy more accessible and "safe" for women. Places the specific act of mainstreaming gender into the broader perspective of theory. (MJP)

Presents seven brief essays addressing recent research efforts and policy initiatives aimed at reforming the history curriculum. Notes that policy recommendations are rarely informed by research on either historical or pedagogical thinking. Authors include Keith C. Barton, Matthew T. Downey, Terrie L. Epstein, Linda S. Levstik, Peter Seixas,…

These proceedings present 10 presentations and 3 working group reports from a workshop on the challenges of the new learning culture and their consequences for the partner countries of the European Union (EU). "Introduction and Summary of the Workshop" (Bernhard Buck) begins with a brief overview of distinctions between the vocational…

This document presents the national plan for research and development (R&D) in adult education and literacy that was developed by the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL). The document begins by explaining the process used to develop the plan, which included conducting a literature review, obtaining input from a national steering group, and…

These proceedings consist of 46 papers on the influence of vocational education and training (VET) research on policy and practice. These papers are grouped into these categories: impact of research; equity in participation; partnerships and stakeholders; practice and practitioners; research and policy; learning, work, and organizations; and VET,…