The 2010 President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology indicated that there was a need to provide individuals with strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) backgrounds in order to be a competitive country internationally. Additionally, it has been found that there is a gender gap in STEM related fields.…

The authors argue that although "freshman survival guides" do address the common concerns of entering college students, these books largely entertain, placate, and enable students to circumvent expert advice on how successfully to navigate the transition to college. A content analysis of 10 popular first-year advice books revealed an…

The author reviewed 22 articles published in professional journals related to the field of education that examined the experiences of gay and lesbian teachers and related services personnel. Ten of the 22 articles were legal analyses; five were position papers; four reported the findings of empirical research studies; three were anecdotal reports.…

Points out that variability in focus, method, and conceptual level of case studies causes difficulties in validating such studies. Notes method variations raise questions about validity. Claims the validity of case studies lies in their usefulness as projective models. States teachers can generate their own theories where practical educational…

Urges developmental educators to undertake classroom research. Offers guidance on the formulation of research questions. Compares four research methodologies: correlational, experimental, descriptive, and ethnographic research. Reviews potential problems. (DMM)

A qualitative study was undertaken to create lesson plans that integrate science and social studies with the hope that teachers will expand them and incorporate them into their curricula. An instructional package of lesson plans that teachers can use to integrate the science and social studies curriculum was devised. The "Mississippi State…

Discusses educational research in mathematics, the relevance of research for classroom teachers, trends in the kinds of research being conducted in mathematics education, tips for reading research studies, and unanswered questions from research. (Contains 19 references.) (MKR)

In this monograph, an overview of research on learning environments in science classrooms is provided. Various forms of classroom research are compared, including student perceptions, direct observation, case studies, and combinations of ethnographic and student perception methodologies. Included are: (1) "Background," including…

Describes a study of 14 fifth graders concerning their understanding and attitudes toward the Persian Gulf War. Finds that the public school served as a significant socialization agent during the war, although television was even more important. Concludes that patriotic issues and activities overshadowed any attempts to have students think…

Reports on study of teacher decision making regarding instruction about Gulf War. Finds teachers were influenced by student grade level, number of students in class from another culture, and their own knowledge of Middle Eastern history and geography. Concludes that local and state curriculum officials should provide more flexibility so teachers…

Discusses the teaching of a qualitative historical geography course focusing on Victorian Britain. Describes how qualitative research methods can be used in both contemporary human geography and historical geography. Includes course modifications that were suggested by students. (CFR)

Asserts that qualitative research methodology represents a fundamental reconceptualization about knowledge, validity, and education. Reviews the history and trends of educational research and argues that it is increasingly legitimate to use qualitative methods. (CFR)

Maintains that within the qualitative paradigm there are related approaches with distinct disciplinary and intellectual traditions. Examines three genres: (1) educational connoisseurship and criticism; (2) ethnography; and (3) action research. Asserts that understanding the assumptions, methods, and contributions of these genres can expand art…

This paper presents an introduction to basic concepts of educational research for preschool, elementary, and secondary teachers at the Escuela Internacional Sampedrana (EIS) in Honduras who expressed interest in pursuing graduate education in the United States. EIS is a private bilingual (Spanish-English) K-12 school in Honduras. In the first part…

Analyzes the literature of two groups of urban historians. Contends the focus has changed from pre-1960 when the quantitative group, rooted in Marxist theory, studied nonelites in working places. Observes many historians use a variety of approaches to their analysis of cities' social and cultural problems. (NL)