Analyzes the role of computers in supporting the writing process in a large-scale, multisite action research study into use of computers as tools for learning. Notes that the computers and desktop publishing significantly affected the conduct of the action research as well as the collaborative relationship between teacher-researchers and the…

An action-research project examined how implementation of an inclusive rule, "You can't say you can't play," at a Syracuse, New York, elementary school influenced children's informal social relationships, focusing particularly on children with disabilities. Overall, the rule has helped create a rich discourse about inclusion issues,…

In "Operation Just Read," a teacher leadership team used action-research procedures to identify a problem (low independent reading levels), obtain baseline data, analyze results, formulate a rationale, implement a program, collect data, analyze results, and arrive at conclusions. Schools can increase at-home independent reading for the average…

Describes action research conducted at two universities in the United Kingdom to discover how students learn in different disciplines. Results of questionnaires and focus group interviews are presented that discuss how learning takes place; different learning outcome demands of different disciplines; and differences in knowledge structures,…

The Tribal Disability Actualization Process used culturally appropriate deliberation processes and particpatory action research in considering policies for American Indians with disabilities. Talking circles on five reservations were used to achieve consensus on the needs of people with disabilities and derive community-driven solutions that are…

Suggests that literature circles can provide a stimulating and motivating method of teaching reading, and they help increase student reading performance as measured on a criterion-referenced test. Notes that when students participate in literature discussion groups their reading level and motivation can increase. (SG)

This article proposes a model for evaluating inclusive schools. Key elements of the model are inclusion of stakeholders in the evaluation process through a participatory action research approach, analysis of program processes and outcomes, use of multiple methods and measures, and obtaining perceptions from diverse stakeholder groups. (Contains…

Posits that both clients and counselors must be regarded as active agents within the counseling process. Using four phases of counseling, client actions at each phase are viewed in terms of their implications for action planning. Implications are discussed for both counseling practice and evaluation. (Author/JBJ)

Uses action research methods to describe one classroom in order to urge English educators to invite their students to participate in literacy and social action. Suggests ways that Mikhail Bakhtin's literary theory can help English teachers and English educators discover and better understand the link of word and deed. (NH)

Describes reconstruction, at the department level, of an Australian university policy away from norm-referenced assessment to criterion-referenced assessment. Action research methods were conducted including individual and focus group interviews, participant journals, and successive drafts of criteria and standards. Analysis suggested that the use…

This action research study examines the perspectives and voices of students in a postsecondary Japanese class through an authentic project--a pen pal letter exchange. The project's effects on student motivation and learning are analyzed through the lens of the five goals of the national standards: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons,…

Presents a study that measured the impact of a peer-assisted learning (PAL) program on student academic performance, and evaluated student and faculty feedback regarding their experiences with the program. Reports that PAL participants had a significantly higher course success rate than non-participants, and a significantly lower withdrawal rate…

Responds to the article "From Understanding to Action: New Imperatives, New Criteria, New Methods for Interpretive Researchers" (Lincoln, Yvonna), asserting that Lincoln needs to further examine what kinds of action and collaboration are necessary for action-oriented research. Pulls the ideas about action toward a positivist and managerial…

Responds to the article "From Understanding to Action: New Imperatives, New Criteria, New Methods for Interpretive Researchers" (Lincoln, Yvonna), focusing on what Lincoln calls "the leap from understanding to action." Draws from two books: "Excitable Speech, A Politics of the Performative" (Butler, Judith) and "Fields of Play" (Richardson,…

This case study describes an action research project that explored the relationship between a supervisor and a dissertation student who was following an in-service Master's course for teachers. Focuses on initial expectations of both the supervisor and the student in relation to their one-to-one relationship. (Author/LRW)