This text provides a solid introduction to the foundations of research methods, with the goal of enabling students and professionals in the field of applied linguistics to become not just "casual" consumers of research who passively read bits and pieces of a research article, but "discerning" consumers able to effectively use published research…

What are some ways to do classroom observations in short visits of 5-15 minutes? The responsibilities of school site administrators are numerous and varied, yet one of the most important, is for them to support an environment that provides a high quality instructional program for every student. In surveys completed by teachers about what they…

As the twenty-first century begins, America faces a daunting challenge: The "baby boom echo" is ready for school. The children of World War Two's baby boomers, millions of youngsters are crowding into schools across the nation. Thousands of new schools will be needed to accommodate them. This demand for educational facilities is…

Warns that the transition of older people into higher education will not be easy. Society has fixed conceptualizations of older people as learners. Argues that institutions of higher education are beginning to be more responsive to older people, and gerontological theory might prove useful in guiding action. (Author/JAC)

A committee was established in a university medical center to address socioemotional aspects of medical training and to enhance the learning environment. Problem areas identified for program development included poor communication, stress on self and relationships, need for advocacy, and lack of support for house staff members. (MSE)

Summarizes research on student perception of schooling, identifying seven areas of knowledge about student perspectives on classroom life and suggesting several directions for further research. (MP)

Presents a New York City high school principal's account of how she, with staff and student support, was able to improve the school environment, increase student achievement, and change the total image of a school which had been considered the most problematic in the borough of Queens. (Author/MJL)

Reviews literature from several disciplinary and theoretical perspectives on the relationship between academic failure and student attitudes and behavior. Argues that the current process of schooling generates negative student attitudes and antisocial behavior, and examines how improved research methods might generate a more complete view of…

Differences in ratings of the same instructor teaching the same course on two different occasions are related to differences in background characteristics: (1) higher levels of workload/difficulty, (2) higher expected grades, and (3) instructor experience. (PN)

Analysis of 18 reviews reveals six school practices associated with effective racial and ethnic integration: racial mixing, fairness, staff models, staff support, security, and multicultural exposure. Integration and educational outcome measures regressed on student perceptions of school practices, and climate and various student characteristics…

Suggests that counselors in desegregated schools can be (1) consultants to teachers in developing awareness of minority student needs; (2) experts in human and racial relations; and (3) interveners who help to prevent, identify, or solve problems that arise within the desegregated school. (Author/MJL)

Reports the results of a study which investigated the relationship between learning style characteristics and left/right hemispheric preference of high school biology students (N=353). Concludes that a statistical significance exists indicating that different settings and instructional approaches are necessary to better promote learning. (DC)

Lists 45 criteria for assessing a school's multiethnic education program. (JM)

Uses a cross-cultural perspective to challenge the United States to change its educational policies. Examines Asian educational policies and strategies and their results, suggesting that they can provide useful models for policy analysts. Recommends greater support for education and a change in the policy of family estrangement from the school.…

Presents a model for studying and developing school nutrition education programs and better understanding potential influences on children's current nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Focuses on three environments (home and family, school, community) and the change process as influenced by nutrition education programs. (Author/DC)