Reviews empirical education research trends in West Germany since 1965. Reports on the movement from normative research to empirical research in educational settings. Considers research priorities and the primacy of the University of Constance (West Germany) in developments focusing on analyzing the factual order of the educational system rather…

The status of formal recommendations is different in the naturalistic evaluation model than in the traditional empirical model. The evaluation of a high school peer support program for alcohol abuse prevention illustrates that reader-generated recommendations may have more usefulness and impact than do evaluator-generated ideas. (SLD)

Describes the use of oral history as a means of having students experience qualitative research. Argues that instructors have to teach reading, listening, and writing skills to help students do oral history. Includes some problems associated with this method and suggests ways to overcome them. (CFR)

Responses of students in grades K-10 (42 interviewed; 98 written) to 4 common fractions problems were analyzed for iconic mode processes in relationship to concrete symbolic mode development. Concludes that progress in the latter, without development of complementary iconic support, limits both understanding and flexibility in solving problems.…

Describes research which compared the processing loads of mathematical representations and strategies used by (n=3) teachers and (n=29) children aged 5-8 for interpreting subtraction operations represented in numerical form. Some representations and strategies appeared to impose an extra processing load which can interfere with conceptual…

This study used participant observation and interviews to evaluate the use of facilitated communication with two sixth-grade students with cognitive disabilities. Results indicated that facilitators provided a unique combination of support, tailored to individualized needs and including physical support, decision making, and negotiating of meaning…

Examined the potential of teacher-researcher collaboration for enhancing the effectiveness of early learning experiences of 4-year-olds in England. Found that, during fieldwork, child engagement and teachers' stimulation, sensitivity, engagement, and autonomy increased. Teacher and student engagement were related. Suggests that teachers who strive…

Examined the transition of 10 children to day care. Found that separation from parent was difficult for one child and that a caring teacher, opportunities for exploration, and support in those activities assisted in overcoming separation difficulties. Identified the caregiver-child relationship as important for supporting children in their…

This study of students' community college experience found that two students with mental retardation differed from two nondisabled students in their not having grown up with an expectation of attending college and in a lack of career and transition planning. All students reported positive social and interpersonal experiences, but had not developed…

This study used qualitative methodology to explore the professional development and changes in their practical theories of two student teachers in Australia during their third year of an undergraduate program as they began actual classroom experience at the primary level. The study identified interrelated factors impinging on student professional…

Explores issues of gender and personal life that arose during discussions with women scientists about factors contributing to their success in completing training and pursuing an academic career. Issues include gender discrimination, perception of reverse discrimination, efforts toward assisting junior women in science, and the possibility that…

Explores the experiences of 17 Canadian seconded teachers--school teachers who act as university teacher-educators for a few years. Identifies seven phases of secondment and five central themes related to university and school cultures, reflective practice, seconded teachers' commitment to teaching and professional identities, and secondment as…

States that community colleges must pay attention to the multiethnic environments in which they exist. Presents an annotated bibliography that offers perspectives on diversity in education and research, which may help practitioners and researchers to understand how to conduct qualitative research sensitive to the cultures of their subjects.…

Used an in-depth qualitative study to examine implementation of portfolio assessment by four first-grade teachers. Found that teachers saw three major benefits of portfolios: (1) a means of communicating more effectively with families; (2) a tool to motivate, encourage, and instruct students in the skills of self-assessment; and (3) a mechanism to…

Examines four fifth-grade students' stances and their responses to a narrative text in three classroom activities--a peer-led discussion group, a story map activity, and written responses. Investigates issues regarding the accessibility of shifts in stance for the students. Calls into question L. Rosenblatt's construct of the aesthetic-efferent…