A study of leading state-level policy actors in Florida's higher education identified a hierarchy of power and influence. Policy elites were legislators and key legislative staff consultants, the university system chancellor, and the state board of regents. Least influential in policy formation were faculty and student interest groups and…

Introduces a special issue that focuses on teachers and other practitioners undertaking research on their professional praxis. Discusses some experiences as a teacher-researcher, outlines the studies presented in the special issue, and considers questions of voice in the presentation of teacher-researcher studies. Contains 25 references. (WRM)

Video and electronic media have the potential to bridge the gap between classroom research and practice by providing rich and detailed data for grounded discussions about teaching and learning. Describes attempts to use digital video technologies to increase collaboration between researchers and practitioners. (WRM)

Summarizes the results of a study of 245 university undergraduates and describes the range of individual differences in cognitive style within that sample. Identifies four broad categories: (1) cognitive personality elements, (2) information processing style, (3) approaches to studying, and (4) instructional preferences. Discusses the differences…

Reports on a study that used general ideas about employees' performance to develop and test a model of teachers' effects on students' achievement in mathematics. Suggests that the effects of teachers on students' achievement can be explained by three classes of variables: teachers' ability, motivation, and work situation. (MJP)

Presents case studies of six teachers who completed year-long research projects on motivation for literacy learning in collaboration with high school students, considering their views on the nature of knowledge, the purposes of schooling, approaches to teaching and learning, perspectives on motivation, and roles and relationships with the school…

This article describes the governmental and cultural contexts for educational research in Botswana and the important role research plays in the development of educational policies. The effects of limited resources are illustrated in several examples regarding special education and other services for children and adults with disabilities. (Contains…

Reviews patterns from literature on teachers of color and teacher preparation, including: recruitment and retention; role models; assessment; alternative programs for particular populations; and perceptions of programs and teaching. Analyzes 90 records that appeared when combining the descriptors multicultural education and teachers of color.…

Results using 165 students show a greater difference on the Test of Integrated Process Skills occurred in the setting where cooperative learning and microcomputer-based laboratories were used. (PR)

Examines principles of computer-based instructional design found in performance improvement/human resources development literature and their applicability to adult learning in the workplace. Topics include learner control, feedback, screen design, use of group methods, and computer anxiety. Contains 93 references. (JMV)

Survey of 217 Maine principals revealed that respondents perceived their staff as moderately to highly involved in decision making, viewed the community as informed but not actively involved in decision making, and desired greater involvement from staff and parents. Principal gender and school level did not affect desired levels of involvement.…

Argues that education must include nurturing the student's spirit in order to educate the student for a democratic life. Why such an education is difficult to provide, the challenges faced in providing it, and the contributions research has made are discussed. Further discussed is an agenda for research, practice, and policy, and some important…

Examines the learning experiences of a five-year-old African American preschooler who was considered exceptionally literate in Sunday School, but socially illiterate in preschool. Explores ways in which these two settings enabled or disabled Joshua's attempt to become a reader. Discusses his parent's role in facilitating the process by explicitly…

A survey of business, industry, government, medicine, and higher education investigated and ranked methods and materials for teaching factual and visual information; principles, concepts, and rules; procedures; motor skills; attitudes, opinions, and motivation. Findings show individual exercises to be most effective method and interactive video to…

Reviews research in computer-assisted instruction (CAI): early research; quantitative (meta-analysis); computer drill and practice; and related subjects: cognitive style differences, instructional design, microcomputer-based CAI, cognitive theory, cognitive processing, memory, limitations to CAI (subject areas/materials/costs and…