Patent trend analysis, a process developed at Batelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, can help businesses understand the direction of technological change and compete more effectively in the marketplace. The procedure involves tracking the linkages among new patents in an area, the age of earlier patents cited, and the companies involved. (IS)

A conceptual framework, patterned on the Presage-Process-Product model, was designed to help sequence relevant elements of the dance teaching-learning process. Research based on this framework is needed to generate practical and theoretical pedagogical guidelines. (Author/DF)

The authors argue that continuing medical education (CME) research fails to prove its effectiveness in patient outcomes, that there is no theory from which to generate measurable hypotheses and that questionable methodology, dubious applicability, and misleading conclusions pervade CME research. (SK)

An overview of the research on learning to teach provides a description of how theoretical characteristics of the professional curriculum often conflict with the needs of prospective and practicing teachers. Voids in research literature on induction and inservice programs and emerging research directions are noted. (DF)

Selected research dissemination practices in California were examined to discover how teacher educators use research findings to educate classroom teachers. Experiences with both inservice and preservice teacher educators are discussed. (DF)

Educational reform should be viewed less as the replacement of old with new and more as a process of renewal; the triumph of reform lies in its never succeeding. School reform intended to repair, once and for all, a broken institution will inevitably be frustrated. Schools depend ultimately on motivation. (RDN)

Takes issue with the preceding article on the National Preventive Dentistry Demonstration Program. Argues that while the program's report has made a useful contribution to public health planning, its results are not valid as a reference for cost or effectiveness data for school-based dental health programs. (KH)

Educational research has changed greatly in recent years, is more sophisticated, and is based on more appropriate theories than behaviorism was, with more direct relevance to practice. A new system of education using constructivist theories of learning such as Piaget's would promote the development of powerful learning strategies. (MSE)

Discussed are two constraints that should be kept in mind when using research findings: (1) a recognition that researcher and practitioner work in different contexts; and (2) research findings should not be regarded as prescriptive, but rather as suggestive of ideas which may aid decision making. (RM)

Curriculum developers are urged to lead teachers in an effort to foster such goals for students as positive self-concepts and emotional adjustment, as well as academic achievement. (GW)

Teachers are encouraged to adapt their instructional programs to learners' cognitive styles, whether global or analytic. (GW)

This is the third issue of "The Evaluation Exchange" devoted entirely to the theme of methodology, though every issue tries to identify new methodological choices, the instructive ways in which people have applied or combined different methods, and emerging methodological trends. For example, lately "theories of change" have gained almost…

The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program was established more than 30 years ago, and 10 RELs have been working at school sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories since 1985. The labs work on regional and national education issues, applying what they learn from their own and others' research and development…

This document provides a detailed assessment of the opportunities and challenges facing university-industry research collaborations. This report represents a synthesis of the work and findings of this initiative. It analyzes several of the critical issues facing research collaborations between industry and universities and offers suggestions to…

This newsletter issue provides an overview of the book, "Critical Thinking about Critical Periods," which discusses the neural and behavioral sciences that undergird the notion of "windows of opportunity" in early brain development. The issue presents the book's table of contents; the major sections are: (1) "Critical…