This issue of "Epistle" contains articles viewing the work of reading professionals from four vantage points. Richard Allington assesses the value of doctoral programs from the perspective of a research trainer. Anthony Giordano presents a method for developing the independent thinking and problem-solving skills of preservice teachers. Rita…

Examines the practices and principles of the training of biochemists. Discusses the objectives of graduate education from the points of view of society, universities, faculty, typical students, and the profession. Identifies the attributes of a good investigator, formal courses, the effects of formal courses on student behavior, and the elements…

Examines the supply and national origin of the holders and near-holders of engineering doctorates who applied to one university engineering department in which extramural research has been emphasized. Compares them with national data on doctoral recipients. (TW)

Persuading students to pursue graduate education in science and engineering, the vitality of universities, raising the level of technological literacy, and making more effective use of the results and insights of science are related components of the adequacy of the science-education system and its relevance to the country's needs. (MLW)

This final report describes activities and achievements of a 5-year project by San Francisco State University (California) to prepare doctoral candidates for careers in college teaching with an emphasis in urban, multicultural special education. The project was also intended to offer an alternative route to doctoral preparation for mid-career…

This study followed 57 New Zealand candidates for a Ph.D. in Education through the years of writing their theses, focusing on their internal struggles and how these affected, and were affected by, those with whom they had close relationships. Their efforts to balance the scholarly, professional, interpersonal, and domestic dimensions of life, a…

Excerpt from the paper, "A Cannibalistic View of Graduate Education, presented at the meeting of the Council of Graduate Schools, December 4-6, 1969, in Washington, D.C. (DS)

A response to Dwight L. Burton's The English Education Doctorate: Some Further Reflections," English Education," vol. 1, no. 3 (Spring 1970), pp. 135-40. (Author/RD)

Summarizes study of curricula of nine graduate programs in instructional development (ID). Comparisons are presented on nine variables--purpose; curriculum development processes; ID courses; where/how ID is learned; synthesizing projects; emphasis of faculty/organization development and performance solutions; orientation to evaluation and ID; and…

Sudden growth in the number of doctoral programs in black studies is helping to legitimize the discipline in academe, and diversity of curricula is providing students with many more choices of emphasis. Programs have a wide range of focus, from the broadest, the black American experience, to the African diaspora and comparative black studies.…

Describes the masters and doctoral programs offered by West Virginia University (WVU) that focus on communication in instruction for secondary and elementary teachers. Discusses the antecedents of the programs, the beginnings at WVU, the assumptions underlying the programs, and the nature and benefits of each program. (SR)

This paper uses front-end analysis and feasibility analysis to determine whether all masters and doctoral students in applied behavior analysis should be trained to be research scientists or whether different training should be provided for those wishing to be practitioners. The paper concludes that most students should acquire practice skills…

Seven doctoral students reflect on experiences in a program that linked them with liberal arts colleges in preparation for college teaching careers. Issues discussed include the link between research and teaching; cultivation of collegiality; value of mentors; role perceptions; learning to design and implement curricula; and breadth of faculty…

The Professional Studies Doctorate is a new 3-year administrator preparation program at Texas A&M University that blends theory, research, and clinical experiences for a select cohort of 14 practicing school leaders. The program includes intensive summer seminars, extended clinical weekend sessions, and ongoing evaluation and research…

Describes issues and concerns facing students who are deciding on a master's or doctoral program in instructional technology. Factors that students should consider when selecting a graduate program are identified, including admission requirements, course offerings, internships, and funding; and resources that offer information regarding…