Defines the post-positivist approach to qualitative research as one that characterizes knowledge as neither conclusive, verifiable, or external to the human psyche. Instead it assumes knowledge to be socially and individually constructed. Argues for a more tolerant and creative understanding of the various research methodologies by their…

Argues that political scientists should take a more active role in the current efforts to encourage the development of democratic institutions in developing countries. Maintains that political scientists could provide a needed perspective currently lacking in the efforts run by lawyers, ex-public officials, and journalists. (MJP)

Argues that educational research does not support the effects of transitional bilingual education as a superior instructional practice for improving the English-language achievement of limited-English-proficient students. Real studies are needed of the effectiveness of intensive English language instruction. (SLD)

Profiles the contributions of Fred Clarke whose lifelong career in international education focused on the the relationship between politics and education in a democratic context. Specifically addresses Clarke's early work with the development of vocational education in British South Africa, his subsequent disillusionment, and the effect this had…

Addresses some of the recent criticism aimed at educational research, its failure to provide a sound base for teaching or to generate a cumulative body of knowledge. Answers that there is always a dichotomy between research and application and argues that restrictions would only worsen the situation. (MJP)

Reports results of an in-depth study of 401 child-care centers in California, Colorado, Connecticut and North Carolina, related to cost, quality, and child outcomes. Discusses differences in the centers' budgets by level of quality across and among for-profit, independent nonprofit, and church- affiliated centers. Highlights the lack of strong…

Describes research undertaken to improve measures of rural job skills, identify human capital initiatives supportive of rural development, and assess rural access to education and job training. Major themes include complexity of weaknesses and strengths in rural skills development systems, advantages of rural schools, and mutual reinforcement of…

Carolyn Evertson discusses the importance of forging links between the teacher preparation institution and the world of practice; skills that make a good mentor; the inaccessibility of educational research and its inability to affect educational policy; new directions in classroom management; and the need to work with students, parents, and…

Highlights some of the fundamental differences between positivistic and qualitative research methods regarding art education. Defends qualitative research and argues that applying natural science research principles to human endeavors is often futile. Discusses the special problems and advantages of qualitative research. (MJP)

Discusses the growing influence of the Teacher Training Agency (TTA) over initial and continuing teacher education in the United Kingdom since its inception in 1994, focusing on the TTA's 1996 agenda, the new National Curriculum for Teacher Training, continuing professional development, and educational research. Criticizes the agency's increasing…

Maintains that continuing scholarship is an essential activity for professors at all levels in the higher education hierarchy. Nonetheless, the stringent requirements of traditional academic research prohibit most community college geographers from pursuing this option. Recommends broadening the definition of scholarship to include reviews and…

Predicts that the paradigms of chaos theory will rapidly move into the social sciences, resulting in major changes in educational research and the study of the curriculum. Discusses the need for new metaphors and paradigms in the social sciences. Briefly characterizes previous educational principles and approaches. (MJP)

Attempts a reevaluation of Emile Durkheim's contributions to the sociology of education. Considers Durkheim's influence on the pedagogical theories of John Dewey and vice-versa. Concludes with an examination of Durkheim's theories as they relate to the conflict between resistance and socialization. (MJP)

Briefly reviews the declining enrollment rates for undergraduate economics majors. Observes that after record enrollments during the 1980s, interest in a bachelor's economics degree dropped sharply in the 1990s. Discusses possible reasons for this decline and provides statistics. (MJP)

Postulates five reasons for declining undergraduate enrollment in economics including corresponding decline in business enrollment; slowdown in financial services; competition from other subjects; decline in student academic skills; and a decline in faculty teaching skills. Discusses strengths and weaknesses of each argument. (MJP)