Discusses a new approach to studying the principalship that embodies a dialectic of biography and autobiography. The head (or principal) is not regarded as merely the subject of another's research but rather as a full partner within the research process. The article discusses the full partnership idea against the backdrop of Great Barr Grant…

Participants in the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program ranked concept maps of the meaning of the program's new vision and mapped their own perceptions. Differing perspectives were refined into a shared vision and highlighted the need for understanding client characteristics and the social climate of the program. (SK)

The field of behavior analysis has not learned how to develop interventions that rely on positive reinforcement for all participants, including the normal adults who implement them. Thus, the field has not learned how to avoid evoking countercontrol. Establishment of collaborative relationships with the people targeted for help is suggested. (JDD)

Reports on action research project conducted by major labor union and university department of social work to assist dislocated workers. Notes that partnership of union-trained peer counselors and social work faculty and students combined research study with providing direct service to displaced workers, assisting in organizing project, and…

The British "Older and Wiser" project demonstrated the need for educational opportunities for older adults from minority groups. The double barriers of ageism and racism faced by these adults must be addressed. (SK)

The University of New Mexico's Community and Regional Planning Program worked with two border towns that share water resources--Columbus (New Mexico) and Puerto Palomas (Chihuahua, Mexico)--to help them prepare a community comprehensive plan needed for water-project funding. The program conducted action research involving local schools and people…

The author reflects on the process of assembling an evaluation dossier after a year as an assistant professor that examined questions of quality related to the traditional evaluation categories of teaching, research and service by performing a critically reflexive self-assessment exercise that applied action-research methodology of appreciative…

Reviews the literature on scholarship in community colleges, discusses the notable contributions that community college scholars make through research efforts such as action research, and recommends institutional changes that can foster increased scholarship by community college practitioners. Appended are listings of possible avenues for…

During the 1995-96 school year, the author (a principal) and three teachers developed an action research project at a Virginia high school. The idea was to increase curricular articulation among departments and connections among disciplines (art, physics, and geometry) at the school. Teachers overcame two major barriers: lack of common planning…

A six-year investigation of schoolwide action research shows that teachers were reluctant to collaborate outside their immediate grade or subject area and to open up their classrooms. Teachers relied on intuitive program-evaluation approaches and held differing definitions of action research. Schools making the most progress had the most technical…

Presents an approach for teaching the multiplication of fractions by helping students build a foundation on the basis of their informal knowledge. Suggests some action research ideas for teachers to try in their classrooms. (ASK)

Discusses a 4-year action research project that involved the development of effective assessment tools for preservice mathematics teachers. Focuses on peer assessment in which students reviewed posters created by their peers. Concludes that peer assessment is an effective tool for assessment in preservice mathematics teacher education but must not…

Describes a course at one Argentinean university, founded on Freirian principles, called Didactics of Everyday School Practice, which encourages student teachers to reflect on how their practice involves real action toward utopia, thus empowering them to become autonomous learners so that as teachers, they will never deny others the right to speak…

Participatory Environmental Action Research involves novices, scientists, and local residents in exploring environmental problems, facilitated by extension professionals. Educational benefits of the expeditions include learning research techniques and teamwork; scientists develop skills in adult education and interpreting science for…

Examines the original Hawthorne relay-assembly research. Asserts the "Hawthorne misunderstanding" is common in criminology and criminal justice because authors have failed to properly attribute the explanation of increased work output to the Hawthorne effect. Describes the Hawthorne effect, how it is produced, and ways to achieve the…