Since the mid-1970s, participatory research (PR) has provided an alternative approach to those development systems that rely on outside experts and implement predetermined solutions. PR empowers disadvantaged people by recognizing them as co-researchers working together to gather information and implement solutions to their problems. This paper…

This book contains 11 essays that offer in-depth accounts of qualitative research in developing countries. Each chapter focuses upon a specific method and considers related theoretical and practical issues with reference to recent experiences in selected developing countries. Key issues addressed include: (1) the identification of appropriate…

Discusses the need for communication and collaboration between special education and general education teachers, beginning with teacher preparation programs. Describes the use of threaded online discussion during field placements prior to student teaching; discussion prompts; and online journaling. (LRW)

Describes the content of an undergraduate course called "Field Work in Applied Psychology: Teaching Mathematics." Assigns students to gain field work experience by teaching fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-grade students mathematics. Reviews the goals for the teacher, college students, and elementary schools. (CMK)

Describes a masters of education program at Kansas' Wichita State University, in which students conduct field studies at area K-12 schools. Focuses on one study examining declining enrollment at a Catholic elementary school. Indicates that results were presented to the school principal, who then implemented the necessary changes. (AJL)

Using field studies methodology, a study of one woman's student teaching experiences reveals the ways she cares for and nurtures children through curriculum modification and teaching. A number of dilemmas of caring which women teachers may experience are discussed. (IAH)

Potential methods are explored for removing or otherwise controlling random measurement error, assessment artifacts, irrelevant variation in outcome measures, and confounding sources of covariation in a structural equations model. Using examples with measures of quality of life and functioning, the authors consider these methods for field…

Israeli researcher at an environmental field school created a different kind of research report, turning an evaluation report into a textbook of didactics and adapting it for use in personnel training and inservice education without impairing its essential nature as an evaluation study. (SM)

Presents a student study of the growing conditions of the Water Hyacinth and its effect on the food chain. Describes the different phases of the project including fieldwork, a public awareness survey, public involvement, control programs, and conclusions. A vignette describes beneficial uses of the Water Hyacinth. (MCO)

Introduces networking projects for studying rivers and water quality. Describes two projects in South Africa (Project W.A.T.E.R and SWAP) associated with the international network, Global Rivers Environmental Education Network. Discusses water test kits and educational material developed through Project W.A.T.E.R. (Water Awareness through…

This field study represents a departure from structured, or directed, computer-mediated communication as used in its natural environment, the computer lab. Using observations, interviews, and the computer medium itself, the investigators report how high school students interact with computers and create their own agendas for computer usage and…

Stresses the danger of sociological fieldwork in Latin America for researcher and subject. Recommends that the researcher build a network of contacts for support and protection. Discusses the interpersonal relations, problems of security, and field entry techniques involved in sensitive research situations. Suggests unobtrusive methods of research…

Reports that students who might be bored or intimidated by economic geographic theory become enthusiastic when they can apply it to their own experiences. Describes a class project involving fieldwork and in-class analysis on delineating the retail trade area of a small Ohio city. Includes three maps and mathematical formulae for data analysis.…

Describes a science program called "Environmental Science on the Three Rivers" which coordinates hands-on water-ecology experiments for local schools on a modified Navy training vessel. The vessel holds 35 students and stops at three major sampling stations during a four-and-a-half-hour class. The program is conducted by people with…

Proposes a number of culture-sensitive practices based on Guba and Lincoln's (1989) criteria for trustworthiness and authenticity when working in Melanesian cultural contexts. Addresses issues of initial contact, ownership of knowledge, prolonged engagement, persistent observation, member checks, language and interview process. Contains 15…