One of the major concerns is the result of the research itself. A case was made for the necessity to clearly specific objectives, obtain appropriate measures of specified criteria, and design programs that have a high probability of achieving those objectives. A college program for student leadership is described. (Author/CJ)

Review of rural social work literature of the 1970's indicates research has primarly followed the naturalistic model defined by Taylor, rather than the positivist approach favored by Fischer. Discussed are: surveys and case studies; ethnographies; participatory/action research; historical research; positivistic research; hypothesis testing…

Teachers and researchers collaborating to implement and evaluate a pilot programme seems straightforward enough. However, unless appropriate steps are taken early to select appropriate staff and encourage shared definitions of the project's purpose, differences in understanding, as well as different priorities, values, and allegiances may…

Describes how to use certain action research methods to increase researchers' access to intergroup relations embedded in organizations. Discusses studies using these methods in two corporations--one on work group relations and the other on race relations among Black and White managers--and notes implications for intergroup relations theory.…

The author reviews the long-standing debate between pure and applied psychological research in British higher education, especially the contributions of Myers and Bartlett, and suggests several pressing national problems that should challenge British psychologists today. (SJL)

Reflects upon the AASL Preconference on action research held in 1979, and poses important challenges for school library media specialists who are striving to maximize their unique contributions to the instructional program in schools. (Author/CMV)

Cites Edward Lee Thorndike's influence on the sizable chasm between educational research and practice. Notes recent progress in improving research use (action research, teacher researchers) but suggests there is still far to go. (SK)

Discussion of computer mediated communication in higher education online learning focuses on a report of two cycles of action research into the use of online discussion forums to enable groups of students from different countries to collaborate with each other in achieving learning outcomes specific to each group. (Author/LRW)

Provides an overview of the ENVISION program for enhancing middle school science teachers' understanding of environmental science and inquiry. Focuses on the component of the project that engages teachers in conducting their own environmental research. Describes the theoretical basis for the professional development model, linking the model to the…

Presents findings from an action research study that addressed the problem of promoting change in teaching practices through graduate teacher education. A naturalistic case study describes factors for understanding successful change in teaching practices for one first grade teacher who initiated a writing workshop in her classroom following a…

Describes methods used to analyze interviews conducted in the course of an action research project related to learning disabled students at two schools in London (England), and evaluates the accounts of curriculum development provided by the interviews in light of the accounts from the case study data. (SLD)

Presents issues regarding the practical relevance of applied linguistics and the relationship between researchers and the institutions and practitioners with whom they work. Suggests that applied linguistics needs to constitute its intellectual base within practical work outside the academy rather than applying theory to practice. (54 references)…

The Resource Center for Raza Planning (RCRP) at the University of New Mexico helps Mexican American college students use research to meet the needs of their communities. The formation and early development of RCRP are described, followed by its work on policy and planning related to community economic development. Implications for universities…