Describes the author's personal version of the action research cycle, focusing on two research experiences to point out what can be learned from research involving listening to language learners. Suggests that one can learn in two different and equally important ways; one can learn about the research question studied and about how to improve the…

Reflects upon the process of writing a thesis, from the initial choice of topic through the selection of case studies and organization of interviews and supporting material, to the data analysis and writing. Discusses some of the problems that were encountered at each stage. (MJP)

Describes a pilot project at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reference and undergraduate libraries to test the feasibility of offering real-time online reference service via their Web site. Discusses software selection, policies and procedures, promotion and marketing, user interface, training and staffing, data collection, and…

Reports a series of ethnographic studies of student behavior concerning examinations, conducted in a Canadian university since the mid-1980s. Describes techniques of data gathering and the link between methodology and theory. Examines implications for higher education, including dealing with students' exam-related stress, factors influencing…

Describes an in-class exercise designed to teach basic principles of survey methodology and to educate students about the pervasiveness and problems associated with shyness in college students. Students complete a brief survey on shyness and the instructor summarizes the results for the class as part of a lecture on survey methodology. (MJP)

Describes a public school model that gives historically underserved urban and rural middle schoolers an improved chance at college and life. KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) uses a five-pillar plan that focuses on: more time in school; choice and commitment by teachers, parents, and students; power to lead for the school leader; high expectations…

Describes new directions and initiatives instituted at the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) since 1986 to fill data gaps, raise technical standards, and expand staff resources. Discusses implications for educational research and policy. (FMW)

Examines difficulties posed in studying local governance because of varied forms found in local government structure. Describes two research methods for drawing upon that variety: (1) building large data sets, and (2) using case studies. Suggests that local research activities, conducted in the context of an educational program, be used as the…

This article describes the continuum of treatment/education interventions developed to address the needs of Kentucky adjudicated and other at-risk and delinquent youth, ranging from school-based alternative education programs to long-term stays in residential programs. The interagency collaborative approach emphasizes transition planning to less…

Presents an activity in which students collect and organize data from a real-world simulation of the scientific concept of half life. Students collect data using a marble sifter, analyze the data using a graphing calculator, and determine an appropriate mathematical model. Includes reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

Solves the problem of the reproduction of rabbit pairs utilizing the Fibonacci sequence. Examines modified versions of the problem, and presents a vignette of one modification based on the author's experience in using the approach with preservice middle school teachers. Extends the approach to other related problems. (MDH)

This paper addresses the need for a national comprehensive data collection system to guide policy on special education faculty supply and demand. It discusses current information about special education leadership personnel, the historical roots of leadership training, and the influence of federal grant programs. Topics to be included in such a…

Asserts that the need for precise and detailed procedures in the collection of qualitative data is of paramount importance. Describes qualitative procedures that were used in a research study of teachers' and students' perceptions of effective teaching and learning. (CFR)

Studied the motivation and psychosocial needs of students in a General English classroom who were not connecting with the main coursebook. Results of a questionnaire revealed the learners' recognition of their needs and uncovered the problem's source and materials designed for solution. Course and materials design can be based directly on needs…

Examines long-term effects of two types of practice task on low-proficiency English-as-a-foreign-language writing. Two classes of freshmen at a Japanese women's college were assigned homework tasks based on picture stories. Results showed that low-proficiency students can improve their writing proficiency more by writing out picture stories than…