This paper explores how various perspectives influence inquiry in education. Normative perspectives function as implicit theories of inquiry as a researcher undertakes formal inquiry, and such theories should be acknowledged. Epistemological as well as methodological issues raised by conceiving of such theories as normative rather than merely…

To examine the differences and the unique qualities of third grade writers in relation to their uses of language and their perception of the world, a selection of writings from 20 third grade students was analyzed for language ability as measured by words per T-unit. Then, two students from the higher and two from the lower end of the scale were…

This paper examines the social phenomenon of leadership succession in a school from the perspective of the successor, based on the author's own experience in succeeding to the principalship of a junior high school. Using a combination of participant observation, informal interview, and existing and collected documents, the study was designed to…

A phenomenological research project examined a holistic school in Ecuador and a creativity methodology program in Vietnam. The educators in these programs have dedicated themselves to implementing a holistic and humanistic vision and philosophy of education in their teaching practice. The study demonstrates how they have successfully created a…

Interviews with 10 linguistically diverse elementary students revealed that they felt lonely because they could not communicate with their peers. Loss of self-esteem and development of learned helplessness syndrome were directly related to length of time they experienced loneliness. Teacher's nonverbal communication and social interactions that do…

Physical therapists and occupational therapists frequently assist parents with the exploration and use of powered wheelchairs for their children with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore parents' experiences and perceptions of their children's experiences with the receipt and use of powered mobility. Qualitative methods…

This article presents a study that examined the life experiences of ten disabled students enrolled in secondary school in a rural context in South Africa. The methodology used to understand their life experiences of schooling is the narrative. The student's authentic personal stories were used to explore their experiences. Through stories of the…

Since 1995, the author has been the university music educator responsible to a professional development partnership. Over an 8-year span, she has collected narratives of experience from approximately 100 pre-service music teachers, following, to some extent, the research model of Connelly and Clandinin. In developing their notion of "personal…

In this paper we discuss how online seminar participants experience dimensions of embodiment, virtual space, interpersonal relations, and temporality; and how interacting through reading-writing, by means of online technologies, creates conditions, situations, and actions of pedagogical influence and relational affectivities. We investigate what…

The case study, the use of ethnography, and phenomenological methods and techniques of research are introduced as approaches to qualitative research in the area of educational technology. Both ethnography and phenomenological research are interpretive and descriptive forms of research. The ethnographic investigation focuses on the social…

This study is concerned with analyzing the effects of classroom environment on students' achievement and perceptions of their learning environment. The learning environment was analyzed from the perspectives of teachers, students, and principals. The sample included one class from each of 25 elementary schools, including architecturally open…

Phenomenological study focused on a Spanish-speaking immigrant mother's interactions with primarily English-speaking educators in schools attended by her son. Interactions around four disciplinary actions reveal language and culture as barriers to the mother acting on her son's behalf. She didn't understand school practices and culture and felt…

This article explores the complexity of racial identity in the lives of gifted African American students and argues that personal identity can only be understood through an ecological and multidimensional view of racial identity that takes into account the individual, the social context, and coping styles. (Contains references.) (CR)

Proposes the triangulation of two qualitative research methods, hermeneutics and grounded theory, to illuminate clinical realities that elude alternative approaches. Discusses how hermeneutics reveals perceptual information about the uniqueness of shared meanings and common practices, and how grounded theory provides a conceptual framework useful…

Examined ethical concepts in children's stories derived from Swedish, Hungarian, and Chinese cultures. Identified 12 qualitative categories of ethical meaning. Examined deeper, underlying psychological consequences from the standpoint of prevailing notions. (Author)