This action research project evaluated a program for improving middle school and high school students' engagement and ownership in the learning process. The problems of students exhibiting an inadequate level of engagement and ownership was documented through data showing quality of student work, anecdotal records kept by the teachers, and…

A balanced, systematic, instructional reading program was designed to increase word recognition in beginning readers. The targeted population consisted of first graders in an upper middle class community located in the Chicago suburbs. The lack of word recognition was documented through assessments revealing students' phonemic awareness, reading…

This study explored a preservice teacher educator's goals with technology in her teaching methods class at Southern Teachers University (Texas) regarding state and national teacher preparation technology mandates and possible motivational factors for including technology in current preservice education courses. Action research was selected as the…

It is observed that teacher motivation can change drastically over the course of an individual teacher's career. This is particularly the case in Mexico with regard to teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), because the situation and role of Mexican EFL teachers has changed so significantly--especially in the wake of the passage of the…

This paper describes the transfer of skills and knowledge from the classroom to outside the classroom. The action research focused on transfer, how to facilitate transfer, and why to concentrate on transfer, and it included a definition for the different levels and rates of transfer. Seventh and eighth grade students were not using existing…

This paper examines several topics as they relate to the education of practicing reading teachers, including: the state of reading achievement in the United States; teacher thinking and professional development; the history of professional development for teachers of reading; professional development policies and guidelines recommended by various…

A study examined the effect parental involvement through reading had on kindergarten achievement. Educators and parents today want to know how they can form home and school partnerships to benefit the children. Studies have shown that children whose parents are involved in their education have greater success in school. The study compared the…

This action research project examined the effectiveness of an intervention to improve social skills in order to improve student behavior, reduce off-task behavior, and reduce loss of instructional time. The targeted population was a sixth grade class with 25 students in an elementary school in a rural setting. The problem of student behavior,…

This report describes a program for improvement of student social skills to include respect for self and others, conflict resolution, and self-control. The targeted population consisted of first, fifth, and seventh graders located in northwestern Illinois. The problems of deficiencies in social skills were documented. Data were collected from…

This action research project describes an intervention to increase attending and on-task behaviors in first- and second-grade students. The problem of inattentive behaviors was documented by means of teacher, student, and parent surveys and teacher observations. The intervention used behavioral management, organizational strategies, role playing,…

This paper discusses the connection between the restructuring of a preservice teacher education and the students' understanding of the working relationship between educational theory and teaching practices. An inquiry-based framework used for an extended degree program at a British university is discussed. (Author/PP)

Describes research suggesting diverse trends in the behavior and attitudes of Chinese students, which often conflict with Chinese tradition and customs, and official Chinese government ideology. Addresses the decline of personal sacrifice for the social cause, and changes in courtship and sexual attitudes. Relates most of these changes to China's…

Teachers in a multiage classroom developed a new spelling program that allowed students to select spelling words. Student interviews examined how they chose the words and why they considered words easy, medium, and hard. Three general areas of learning emerged: students' autonomy, real life connections, and the future. (SM)

Reports on a single subject research study conducted by a speech clinician in a public school setting and describes the experience of the dual role of clinician and investigator. Although the two students' correct articulation efforts in the regular classroom dramatically improved during the intervention, the rate at follow-up was similar to that…

Action research theory and practice can help encourage preservice teachers' critical reflection. The paper reviews action research theory, discusses conceptions of reflective teaching, and examines the power of action research to shape preservice teacher reflection. Several reports of how teacher educators have used action research in practice are…