This volume is both a state-of-the-art display of current thinking on second language development as a complex system. It is also a tribute to Diane Larsen-Freeman for her decades of intellectual leadership in the academic disciplines of applied linguistics and second language acquisition. The chapters therein range from theoretical expositions to…

This paper focuses on the research-related, in-service professional development of social science academic researchers. It identifies as a gap in provision the paucity of provision of career-long training in the "creative" elements of research practice--specifically the methodological skills that have the potential to enhance individuals' research…

This study examined how news library staff and editorial staff at a large metropolitan daily newspaper perceive the library's contribution to newsmaking. Data gathered by surveys and interviews show that the library plays a significant but unacknowledged role in news production. (3 references) (MES)

A study applying anomie theory to behavior of college faculty, especially as alienation from the academic reward system results in deviation from professional norms of communality, disinterestedness, universalism, and organized skepticism, is reported. Implications for use of norms as interpretive devices, ambivalence of academics toward norms,…

Developed as part of a program designed to examine why so few graduates of doctoral programs demonstrate their scholarship through the media of books and refereed publications, the four papers in this series address the question of publication. The first paper explains why one should publish, explores differences between graduate term papers and…

Rural sociology needs a conceptualization of social change and its implications for the discipline. Scientifically adequate conceptualization would enable rural sociologists to understand their own and others' social roles as activities which are aspects of social change. With this understanding the rural sociologist could conceive of his…

The discipline of speech communication was established early in the twentieth century. After its subject matter was defined and separated from the field of English by Herbert Wichelns's "The Literary Criticism of Oratory," departments were established and a separate organization--The National Association of Teachers of Public Speaking--was formed.…

Because negative stereotypes have direct implications for social scientists' functioning and inclusion on multidisciplinary teams working in international development, rural sociologists should be aware of these stereotypes, identify their sources and modes of perpetuation, and utilize strategies to dispel unflattering characterizations.…

Argues that if librarians are to deserve faculty status, they must comply with standards of excellence similar to those of instructional faculty. Teaching roles of librarians at Evergreen State College and St. Cloud State University are cited and similarities of roles of medical school faculty are indicated. (9 references) (EJS)

This paper addresses two questions relevant to practices and policies in early childhood education (ECE). The first question addressed is, Given the worldwide focus on ECE, what are the priorities in practice-oriented research in school life? Educators struggle with the issue of whether research makes much difference to practice. It is suggested…

This paper reports on the investigation of the operation of the Teacher of the Year Award program in 28 states. It focuses on the method of selection for recipients of this award, and explores the nature of the judging process used in selecting candidates at both the state and national levels. Specific objectives are: (1) to determine the criteria…

Discusses the motivation of faculty for effective teaching. Describes five stages in faculty growth and development. Suggests some implications of career phases and motivational studies. Lists 22 references. (YP)

The American Nurses' Association certification provides professional recognition beyond licensure to nurses who pass an examination. To determine the passing score as it would be set by a representative peer group, a survey was mailed to a random sample of 200 recently certified nurses. Three questions were asked: (1) what percentage of examinees…

Maintains that many of the professional development skills needed to survive and prosper in academia are learned through contacts and activities within professional organizations. Describes a workshop given to graduate students to promote membership in these organizations. Includes a list of 25 professional organizations in sociology. (MJP)

The current health and future well-being of educational evaluation is considered in terms of financial support, official mandate, evaluators' status, evaluation prevalence, and evaluation utility in these seven symposium papers. "Educational Evaluation--Indicators of Life, Death, or Reincarnation," by Susan Klein, assesses recent federal…