Describes changes in the education systems of Latin America and the work of ethnographic researchers in the area. Examines thematic trends such as cultural reproduction, school failure, schools and the disadvantaged, teachers' protest movements, and what knowledge is really being acquired. Argues that critical attitudes have enhanced the status of…

The meanings that prominent educational researchers give to beliefs, and how this differs from the meaning of knowledge providers, are discussed; and a synthesis is offered about the nature of beliefs. It is argued that teachers' beliefs should be an important focus of educational research. (SLD)

Considers the general meaning of equal educational opportunity and its meaning in the context of specific policies, with an eye toward providing a philosophically grounded examination of equal educational opportunity as it applies to multicultural education. Describes how progressive liberal educational theory can meet the challenges of…

This study investigated the relationship between factors believed to contribute to the formation of environmental attitudes by college nonscience majors (n=136) attending an environmental studies course. Factors investigated included environmental attitudes, decision defensibility, and the linkage of affective and cognitive domains. Reports that…

Discusses results of interviews with 11 year olds in a longitudinal study of educational progress. Reports that students were aware of the importance of school work. Describes most students as looking forward to secondary school and the study of more specialized subjects. Reports that children perceived academic success as within their control.…

Praises Anton S. Makarenko's work and pedagogical theories. Calls for research into applying Makarenko's theories to the Soviet Union's current educational reform. Highlights Makarenko's success at unifying theory and practice at his labor collective school. These theories focus on democratizing school relations, promoting individual development,…

Examines effects of different vocal models, response modes, and grade level on pitch-matching accuracy. Studies 163 children in grades K-3 and grades 7-8. Asks participants to echo singing performed by female and male voices. Finds no significant difference in response modes but significant differences in age-level ability and ability to match…

Discusses teaching as a scientifically based art, noting that educational research must contribute to social justice, and examines controversy over social science, response to philosophers' criticisms, forms of research, process-product research, illustrative results of process-product research, necessary experiments, and other paradigms for…

Comments on specific points raised by E. W. Eisner, F. Erickson, and T. S. Popkewitz. Argues that the author's previous article does not support methodological monism. It is an assertion that some version of educational trial (clinical trial metaphor) is required to evaluate the usefulness of educational research. (SLD)

One of five articles on professional development schools in this theme issue. Describes the establishment of a professional development school reflecting Holmes Group principles by the University of Utah/Salt Lake City School District partnership. Discusses several dilemmas, including: didactic versus constructivist views of teaching and learning,…

Twelve articles and an introduction present educational evaluation studies conducted in Hungary over the past two decades. International comparisons and national studies of student achievement are reported for elementary and secondary education in a variety of subject areas. Studies also reflect changes in the Hungarian political context. (SLD)

Discusses the organization of educational funding sources and its impact on research, emphasizing sources other than the federal government in the philanthropic sector. Explores institutional funding and decision making including internal grants, faculty time, infrastructure, and decision procedures. Outlines problems regarding the organization of…

Describes parent-teacher action research, a format for developing stronger parent participation and parent-teacher collaboration. Relates an actual example of action research to improve parent participation in student reading. Discusses the possible benefits of initiating action research, and details 10 steps involved in this type of action. (JB)

A discussion of environmental education in elementary, secondary, and higher education in Spain chronicles its history since 1970, the roles of public and private agencies in educational change, research initiatives, the effects of 1990 educational reforms, trends in facilities available for environmental education, program evaluation, and…

Describes a study of a collaborative project in which science education faculty and upper elementary school teachers investigated the potential of a project based, technology rich, environmentally oriented approach to science education in an urban school. Discusses research methods and teacher responses to the computers and/or telecommunications…