Describes results of a field study where 74 people were interviewed about their experience with using either an electronic or a printed version of a brief project description. The popular belief that electronic information systems are more efficient was not confirmed. Methodological problems of comparative media studies are discussed. (Author/LRW))

Describes a professional development program, Teacher in the Woods, which is a 6-week summer research experience in the national forests of the Pacific Northwest. Uses standardized performance assessment to measure student progress and changes teachers' approach to teaching by creating greater motivation, confidence, knowledge, and skills in…

A collaboration between multiple local partners in southwestern New Hampshire sponsors a unique writing program. Students explore local parks and open spaces and then submit essays about them to the local newspaper. The program has expanded to research on significant local residents, how local industries and traditions got started, and a local…

Described is a simple technique to monitor air pollutants and to simulate some of the features of roadside canopies. Included are the procedures, directions for the assembly of the apparatus, and a discussion of typical results. Graphs of sample data are presented. (CW)

Discusses benefits, costs, locales, class recruitment, field supplies, timing, and testing methods. Provides a listing of Caribbean marine field stations routinely available to college classes. (MVL)

Reports a participatory action research (PAR) project carried out by the FAGOR group of the Mondragon Cooperatives in the Basque provinces of Spain. Finds the experience to be most stimulating and intellectually engaging while noting that it is both emotionally and physically exhausting. Points out that PAR's impact has been uneven. (KO)

Focuses on the international industry of merchant shipping to explore strategies used to promote organizational change over the past 20 years. This case study emphasizes the advantages of melding knowledge and action in participatory action. Points out the importance of the design and management of industry-level forums in assuring the success.…

Lichenometry is described for use in the study of biology and physical weathering. Discussed are lichens in general and an outline for studying growth and ecology. A problem solving format is used. (CW)

Discusses teaching qualitative research methodology to graduate education students. Advocates creating a social context for classroom learning, as opposed to the traditional experiential approach. Includes examples of three course descriptions. (FMW)

The introduction and six chapters of this theme issue highlight phenomena in various ethnic and cultural contexts that illustrate what is really happening in terms of culture, ethnic identity, and the multicultural society. Field studies explore a variety of cultures and educational systems. (SLD)

A Lewinian orientation to educational problems fits current innovative thinking in education (e.g., models for making education multicultural), and provides the bases of important applied work on cooperative learning techniques and constructive ways of structuring conflict within educational settings. Lewinian field theory provides a broad…

This research-subject attrition study evaluated differences between 45 subjects who completed a 22-month longitudinal study and 34 who dropped out. Subjects were blue-collar employees. Discriminant analysis proved to be a useful tool for determining some of longitudinal data bias. Attrition was predicted by situational rather than personality…

Asserts that the scattered rural populations of Latin America and Mexico make it difficult to offer primary education to all school-age children. Describes a project in which community classes make it possible for children to attend schools without leaving their village. (CFR)

Asserts that traditional field study, widely regarded as an essential part of geographical higher education, is under attack because of high costs and poor administration. Describes a case study of an undergraduate program that combines training in field study with research and presentation skills. (CFR)

Contends that qualitative research is now an acceptable and respected methodology in the various fields of educational research. Concludes that considerable imagination and flexibility is necessary when evaluating research into educational issues in developing nations. (CFR)