The collection of essays in this book illustrate commonalties and differences among the theories, practices, and forms of organization of participatory action research in different countries. Participatory action research expresses the recognition that all research methodologies are implicitly political in nature, and this is reflected in the…

This study compares two intake procedures designed to prepare adolescents for subsequent group counseling: an individual interview and a group-administered questionnaire. The only significant difference was that the questionnaire group spoke with greater personal involvement in, and more responsibility for, their problem or concern. (SJL)

This paper examines a project involving teams of teachers, school administrators, and district-level people from Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) member schools. The CES is a high school reform movement devoted to strengthening the learning of students by reforming each school's priorities and simplifying its structure. The common principles…

For an evaluation design or "political strategy" to succeed in instituting a process of valuing and be appropriate for a particular setting, patterns of social relations and beliefs about the evaluation must be in agreement with those of the chosen evaluation design. This agreement must be in place either at the onset or occur during the…

The complex psycho-sociological factors involved in designing compensatory education programs require a concerted effort aimed at all levels of personality and the socio-cultural situation. Attention is drawn to the determination of objectives, a diagnosis in terms of the characteristics of the child, the milieu, and the school, and the selection…

Gives a critique of the taxonomy of action research presented by Wilf Carr. Locates this critique in a broader debate about dialectical and propositional logic and suggests a method of collaborative theory development that could enhance educational practices. (Author/AEM)

Argues that good action research carefully utilizes action and reflection because knowledge is acquired through a reciprocity between thought and action. (SRT)

New technologies such as the CT scanner are challenging traditional role relations among radiology workers and may be altering the organizational and occupational structure of radiological work. This paper expands recent sociological thought by showing how identical CT scanners occasion similar structuring processes and created divergent forms of…

This study examined the evolution of teachers' professional identity as they engaged in the process of becoming teacher researchers. Fifty-four inservice teachers in a master's degree program in educational technology took courses across two consecutive summers and completed an action research project. Data are drawn from e-mail conversations,…

This paper examines the purpose, function, and legitimacy of action research as a methodology that encompasses a complex, authentic view of scientific inquiry. A historical account of action research is presented with a focus in how it merged theory with practice. Cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) is used as a theoretical rationale for…

Action research, explored in this book, is a seven-step process for improving teaching and learning in classrooms at all levels. Through practical examples, research tools, and easy-to-follow implementation strategies, this book guides readers through the action research process. The chapters are: (1) "What Is Action Research?"; (2) "How Is Action…

This digest provides an introduction to action research in science education and includes examples of how action research has been used to improve teaching and learning, as well as suggested resources for those seeking to incorporate action research into their own teaching or research. Action research is defined and is examined in science…

This paper presents a conceptual model of assessment that defines six sequential, iterative steps: purpose identification; outcomes identification; measurement and evaluation design; data collection; analysis and evaluation; and decision making/action. The conceptual model of assessment closely parallels systematic scientific inquiry, especially…