The author reflects on the process of assembling an evaluation dossier after a year as an assistant professor that examined questions of quality related to the traditional evaluation categories of teaching, research and service by performing a critically reflexive self-assessment exercise that applied action-research methodology of appreciative…

Reviews the literature on scholarship in community colleges, discusses the notable contributions that community college scholars make through research efforts such as action research, and recommends institutional changes that can foster increased scholarship by community college practitioners. Appended are listings of possible avenues for…

During the 1995-96 school year, the author (a principal) and three teachers developed an action research project at a Virginia high school. The idea was to increase curricular articulation among departments and connections among disciplines (art, physics, and geometry) at the school. Teachers overcame two major barriers: lack of common planning…

A six-year investigation of schoolwide action research shows that teachers were reluctant to collaborate outside their immediate grade or subject area and to open up their classrooms. Teachers relied on intuitive program-evaluation approaches and held differing definitions of action research. Schools making the most progress had the most technical…

Presents an approach for teaching the multiplication of fractions by helping students build a foundation on the basis of their informal knowledge. Suggests some action research ideas for teachers to try in their classrooms. (ASK)

Discusses a 4-year action research project that involved the development of effective assessment tools for preservice mathematics teachers. Focuses on peer assessment in which students reviewed posters created by their peers. Concludes that peer assessment is an effective tool for assessment in preservice mathematics teacher education but must not…

Describes a course at one Argentinean university, founded on Freirian principles, called Didactics of Everyday School Practice, which encourages student teachers to reflect on how their practice involves real action toward utopia, thus empowering them to become autonomous learners so that as teachers, they will never deny others the right to speak…

Participatory Environmental Action Research involves novices, scientists, and local residents in exploring environmental problems, facilitated by extension professionals. Educational benefits of the expeditions include learning research techniques and teamwork; scientists develop skills in adult education and interpreting science for…

Examines the original Hawthorne relay-assembly research. Asserts the "Hawthorne misunderstanding" is common in criminology and criminal justice because authors have failed to properly attribute the explanation of increased work output to the Hawthorne effect. Describes the Hawthorne effect, how it is produced, and ways to achieve the…

This action research project examined students' and teachers' self-concepts in a literature course at a German university. Data (student diaries, video documentation of classes, and interviews) were collected and analyzed to help students reflect on their class participation and teachers on their control and dominance. Data were analyzed in…

Canberra Institute of Technology implemented a project to improve assessment using teacher-developed action research. Outcomes included a shift in teaching perspectives and pedagogical assumptions and the establishment of a culture of concern for high-quality assessment. (SK)

Discusses reasons for the lack of research on the community dimensions of service learning, noting that community-focused research is possible. Presents a four-dimensional model for doing research with community partners on the process and outcomes of community service learning, arguing that it should emphasize the community-university partnership…

Action research is an approach to knowledge generation that can strengthen communities and institutions and is ideally suited to the advancement of academically-based service learning. Presents the history and goals of this approach to service learning, defining current challenges, providing examples from three action research projects responding…

Action research was used for a follow-up study of the implementation of a philosophy of health in nursing curricula. Health was interpreted both as health education and health promotion. Issues arose in terms of the gap between rhetoric and reality in action research and the expectations and needs of key partners. (SK)

Describes a multidisciplinary action research project to develop a theoretical framework and four exemplary teaching modules for elementary and secondary school that promote a pluralistic view on nature. Presents the theoretical framework that was developed during the project. Describes the teaching modules and delineates one of the modules.…