Shows that action research and process consultation methodologies used in the organizational development (OD) field are vital to our changing educational culture. Instead of diagnosing and prescribing solutions, the OD consultant teaches clients (schools) how to make appropriate interventions for specific change objectives. (12 references) (MLH)

Principals who are transformative leaders consistently use three building blocks to promote school success: a clear, unified purpose; a common cultural perspective; and a constant push for improvement. In one study, an opinionated, assertive middle school principal; a nurturing, supportive principal; and a high-energy, charismatic principal all…

Summarizes an action-research project in which elementary teacher candidates enrolled in required multicultural awareness class observed classroom practices and interviewed mentor teachers at Dallas-Fort Worth schools about teaching practices, lesson content, and rationales related to Black History Month. Of the 48 schools studied, only 11 planned…

To determine if governance structures affected perceptions of teacher empowerment, 55 teachers completed the Teacher Perception Survey. Subjects were from two matched Missouri elementary schools with differing organizational structures and administrative philosophies. Unlike the traditional model, an Accelerated School model strongly influenced…

Aware of the invasive aspects of emancipatory research methods, the author constructed a classroom experience to expose her own use of power when conducting such projects. Her student participants had varied responses to a power definition/perception experiment: trapped, captured, and willing. (27 references) (MLH)

A constructivist framework based on active listening, interpretation, and dialog was used to initiate collaborative research and development among farmers, researchers, and advisers. The method overcame polarized, conflictual communication about sustainable land use. (SK)

While doing action research, a library media teacher became the liaison between an Illinois elementary school and a homeless shelter. She developed a resource guide for local teachers that inspired a statewide publication effort. Now she works on a statewide committee to educate school systems about homeless children's rights. (12 references) (MLH)

Discusses action research and its implications for library media centers; measurement and study; and steps in the action research process: clarify research need and define research problem, plan research to provide relevant data, collect and organize, analyze and interpret, report to relevant audiences, and integrate the results into library media…

Introduces a special issue on the advantages of conducting "Level 1 research," a method of service-delivery accountability which involves systematically monitoring clinical outcomes without attempting to scientifically prove what is causing those effects. This type of research is compared with both Level 3 research (scientific research) and Level…

Describes and discusses the use of action research, research carried out by teachers. Highlights the aims and means of action research, how to prepare teachers to collect and interpret classroom data, and procedures for conducting action research, including initial reflection, planning, action, observation, and reflection. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the "think tank" programs of the New England Resource Center for Higher Education that enable college administrators to become more reflective about their practice and to conduct research that is rooted in practice. The think tanks are day-long seminars for chief student affairs officers, chief academic officers, associate academic…

Describes an action research investigation into overcoming a tension felt in a particular approach to teaching literature. Wishes to make studying literature a meaningful experience for students and have them pass exams. Uses the idea of the forum, as described by J. Bruner, as a way of holding these two thrusts together. Evaluates effectiveness…

Investigates whether technology supports curriculum content, how to get technology into average-level English classes, and what strategies using technology would appeal to students. Discusses reassessing teaching strategies, formulating a question and collecting data, initial survey results, implementing strategies, student response, difficulties…

Argues that, when teachers begin to answer their own questions through research, and as they encourage their students to do the same, both groups benefit. Outlines issues involved, such as reading, experimental designs, sharing ideas with colleagues, qualitative research, action research, quantitative research, collaborating, and the research…

Describes classroom action research with the verbal-visual word association strategy. Explores the strategy with a group of junior high and high school students on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in southeastern Montana. Shares interpretative impressions and results of a vocabulary quiz given to the high school group. (RS)