An elementary music teacher worked to interest minority and female students in computers by combining the music subject matter, in which they excelled, with computer technology. The article chronicles the teacher's action research project in which she instilled confidence in female and minority students when using computers. (SM)

Describes the impact of using dialog journals in English-as-a-Second-Language classes on sixth graders who lacked confidence in their writing ability. Results showed a positive effect of modeling, improved writing attitudes, and a new human dimension to a previously hierarchical teacher-student relationship. (SM)

Argues that the long reign of the behavioralists and the postbehavioralists has reduced political science theory to a Tower of Babel. Loudly trumpets the revival of Aristotelian political philosophy and identifies some of its leading adherents. Posits three fundamental objections to behavioral political theory. (MJP)

This paper describes a multiage elementary classroom where students can work, learn, and research together. Students ages 6-9 years collaborate on whole-class research inquiries and individual projects. The paper presents examples of these children's work as ethnographers, emphasizing the importance of honoring students' creative abilities. (SM)

Feeling a lack of parent involvement, a developmental kindergarten teacher designed a home visit program, going to each student's home twice. Through home visits, she gained a better understanding of her students' environments, observed student characteristics not always visible in school, and strengthened relationships and team spirit with…

Lesson study helps teachers use collaborative peer insight and feedback about student responses to instruction to develop high quality lessons. Combining lesson study with collaborative action research, Ohio middle school teachers developed exemplar lessons in the four-column writing method and found that the method significantly improved…

Provides an overview of the principles and framework of Te Whaariki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, and of subsequent assessment and evaluation research. Presents the framework of "Learning and Teaching Stories," a user-friendly approach to assessment and self-evaluation, used in action research in three regions of New…

The Purga Elders Centre in Queensland (Australia) is an Aboriginal-owned meeting place where Aboriginal culture and history are lived and passed on. Research conducted there is based on Indigenous Knowledge Research (IKR), which is grounded in Indigenous realities and approaches knowledge only through respect for Indigenous epistemologies. Twenty…

Assessed whether integrating classroom management and a Wednesday field experience would increase preservice teachers' knowledge and ability to connect theory with practice. Preservice elementary teachers wrote weekly reflections on topics they observed while in their assigned classrooms. The experience empowered most of them by helping them…

An action research project examined open meetings in four elementary classrooms. Open meetings allowed class members and teachers to discuss topics important to the group. Interaction data, meeting videotapes, and student and teacher interviews indicated that all participants considered open meetings in classrooms an effective pedagogical method.…

Discusses two types of research conducted in intensive English programs (IEPs): (1) assigned research, which examines program-wide issues and is often assigned to faculty members by program administrators; and (2) action research, which is research conducted by classroom teachers for the purpose of improving the learning environment. (nine…

Argues that one method of successfully raising learners' awareness of the sociocultural rules of speaking a foreign language is to invite them to become researchers of that language. Concludes that while the acquisition of pragmatic competence is a slow process, appropriate activities enhance the learners' chances for academic, professional, and…

Socially critical action research in education can be defined as being strategic and critical pedagogic action on the part of classroom teachers aimed at increasing social justice. Five characteristics of socially critical action research are examined: participation, direction, consciousness, constraints, and outcomes. (IAH)

Describes an action research study that observed the use of Logo by first grade children in public schools. Students' use of screen wraps is highlighted, and learning activities other than programing that resulted are described, including problem solving, acquisition of mathematical concepts and language, peer tutoring, and productive play. (LRW)

This article focuses on the problems, dilemmas, and issues which confront facilitators of teacher-based action research in schools. Three action research projects in the United Kingdom are described. An attempt is made to clarify the theoretical and philosophical assumptions which underpin the action research movement in education. (IAH)