This handbook brings together important mathematics education research that makes a difference in both theory and practice, research that anticipates problems and necessary knowledge before they become impediments to progress, interprets future-oriented problems into researchable issues, presents the implications of research and theory development…

Due in part to legislation that was enacted over the last 25 years, the numbers of students with learning disabilities (LD) on college campuses are increasing. With these increasing numbers, it has become apparent that there is a need to focus on the post school outcomes of individuals with learning disabilities, particularly those who attend…

This paper describes an evaluation study conducted on a student evaluation of teaching form and evaluation process newly instituted at a university in Hong Kong. The study used an integrated design with both quantitative and qualitative methods and collected information from a variety of stakeholders. The major focus of the paper is on the diverse…

As the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) considers the redesign of the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), it is appropriate to consider the information about inservice professional development (IPD) that would be suitable for inclusion in the SASS. Part I of this paper considers the various definitions of IPD and its evaluation,…

This paper addresses the potential of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to measure education reforms in the United States through Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). How the SASS can measure reform, the type of reform it should assess, and the elements of school reform that would best serve the needs of state and federal…

This paper reports on a study of reflective practice, which has been a gradual process in education in the Czech Republic. Until the 1990s, most research and development in education and in preservice and inservice teacher education and training had been different from this reflective approach. Instead, quantitative research approaches had been…

This volume brings together the reports and discussion connected with a roundtable convened by the Departments of Education and Labor and the National School-to-Work Office to discuss issues surrounding the conduct of a net impact evaluation of school-to-work. After an introduction that summarizes the approach and intentions of the School-to-Work…

Long exposure to French, verbal ability in one's native tongue, general intelligence, and ability grouping were correlated with competence in French as a foreign language. The Swedish policy of mixing beginning French students who vary in ability and motivation was questioned. (CP)

Notes that large-scale qualitative research projects tend to produce vast data pools from observation journals, interview transcripts, and other material that often is barely analyzed in the originating project. Argues that this material represents a valuable research resource. Includes six suggested rules for the use of older data. (MJP)

Defines the post-positivist approach to qualitative research as one that characterizes knowledge as neither conclusive, verifiable, or external to the human psyche. Instead it assumes knowledge to be socially and individually constructed. Argues for a more tolerant and creative understanding of the various research methodologies by their…

Highlights some of the fundamental differences between positivistic and qualitative research methods regarding art education. Defends qualitative research and argues that applying natural science research principles to human endeavors is often futile. Discusses the special problems and advantages of qualitative research. (MJP)

Examines the background and implementation of a student research project exploring the decisions of 16-year olds to leave or stay in school. Offers a critique of the methods of student researchers focusing upon five main issues, organization, time, equity, research style, and clashing cultures. (MJP)

Literature review examines school effectiveness research in developing countries, focusing on why Third World research has not used analytic techniques applied in industrialized countries, how school effectiveness and school improvement approaches differ, which indicators are used, use of multilevel analysis in Third World research, and how to…

Using a standard economics course as a control group, tests the relative effectiveness of "Economics U$A," a telecourse on student achievement and attitudes in both on-campus and off-campus settings. Concludes that the telecourse can be used successfully in nontraditional courses, and that delivery format may have an impact on student…

Examines the limitations of traditional transfer rate indicators, suggesting that their use as measures of institutional effectiveness is inappropriate. Reviews methodologies of two national transfer rate models in terms of the importance of time frames for transfer, minimum credit hour thresholds, curriculum intent, and student intent. Recommends…