"Nonlinear dynamics," chaos and complexity theories, and their accompanying research methods provide new ways to understand systems theory and study complex human systems. This article presents an overview of these approaches, their sophisticated mathematical methods, and their relevance to social work practice and research. The…

Discusses traditional career counseling methods which are based on the assumption that matching clients' interests, values, abilities, and aptitudes to a suitable occupation will result in opportunities for self-actualization and personal expression. Contends that vocational psychology has focused almost exclusively on individuals to the neglect…

This column introduces issues in research and practice concerned with assistive technology for students with disabilities including delays in transferring research findings into practice and ways to integrate what is known about research, effective practice, teacher professional development, and change. (Contains 14 references.) (DB)

Examines what is meant by good theory and theory-building research in human resource development (HRD). Discuses core knowns and unknowns in HRD theory building. Outlines two key challenges: dealing with the researcher-practitioner relationship and recognizing the value of multiple research paradigms. (SK)

Critically reviews efforts at theoretical integration of psychoanalysis and humanism along the lines of F. Pine's (1990) four psychologies of psychoanalysis. Concludes that psychoanalysis and humanism have certain compatible features, but that they generally represent opposing vantage points in the study of subjectivity. Provides recommendations…

Uses Kegan's theory of the evolving self as an example of the utility of life-span theories in facilitating career happiness. Suggests how to use culturally appropriate developmental theories to help clients understand their life-stage position and discover ways to achieve self-other balance for life and career satisfaction. (SK)

Educational researchers and practitioners seem to be involved in the same endeavor without real contact. To remedy this distance, the best research should focus on practice, and the best practice should be informed by research. (SLD)

Sees a tendency, in the field of composition, to privilege either theory or classroom practice. Discusses theory as liberatory narrative. Draws on Michael Dorris, bell hooks, and Paulo Freire to show how the act of theorizing becomes an act of compassion and of healing. Describes how literacy narratives from the two-year college classroom…

The literature on empowerment in organizations lacks discussion of problems in implementing it or of the conditions needed for success. It is often assumed to be a universal solution appropriate to all organizations. (SK)

Advocates a position on the margins of English studies. Provides a general introduction to analytic philosophy of language. Elaborates Donald Davidson's work on interpretation, which demonstrates why truth and rationality are inextricably linked to language and communication. Calls for reconfiguring the debate between and assessment of the…

Discusses current issues in theory-driven evaluation from the perspective of the evaluation practice literature. Confirmatory program evaluation is proposed as one way to use theory, in combination with quantitative analytical techniques, to assess the effects of social and educational programs. An illustration is provided in the evaluation of a…

A multidisciplinary team of health practitioners developed knowledge of health promotion and attempted to integrate that knowledge into practice. Five major themes emerged: definition of health promotion, incongruity between espoused and practiced values, reflective practice, from disease care to health promotion, and socioenvironmental…

Use of standards-based portfolios for assessment was evaluated using responses from 36 nursing students. They regarded the method as fair, felt it was a useful learning resource, and believed their final grade reflected their understanding of course content. However, the theory-practice link was not as strong as expected. (Contains 38 references.)…

Raises the issue of the separation existing between the world of teacher and the world of educational research. Argues that teachers and academic researchers live in two parallel universes, both of which are committed to the improvement of education and the well-being of children, but only one of which is privileged as a source of knowledge about…

Provides personal views of the career development journey, focusing on the work of John Holland, the developmental perspective promoted by JoAnn Harris-Bowlsbey, and John Krumboltz's social learning theory. Shares unique insights about the context of their work and views of the future workplace. (Contains 27 references.) (GCP)