The author analyzes some of the conceptual problems which have prevented a direct test of the discovery learning hypothesis, provides an operational definition of discovery learning, and proposes an improved experimental paradigm. Appended are 38 references. (AA)

Suggests an R&D process which has demonstrated its utility as a means of allowing researchers to communicate more effectively with both users and administrators (or funders). (Author/DAG)

The author enumerates some criticisms of contingency management research that have been raised and reviews some studies of contingency management in order to clarify the strategy and tactics being followed and point out ways in which investigators have fallen short of their own criteria for sound research and valid conclusions." (Author/AA)

The need for appropriate approaches to educational technology research in developing nations is discussed, and two examples of such research, adapted to local technological capabilities, are given. (RAO)

The identification and acceptance of discipline-specific research problems and subsequent related theory is not a random process dependent only on the interests of individual theorists. Discusses the nature of agenda building--background and definitions and agenda building processes; and application of principles in instructional…

Discusses the need for changes in education and considers possible reasons why information technology has not brought about desired changes. Highlights include assimilating new technologies into existing instructional practices; technocentric knowledge, which focuses on the computer rather than knowledge; and misguided research. (LRW)

Develops generalizations for empirical evaluation of software based upon suitability of several research designs--pretest posttest control group, single-group pretest posttest, nonequivalent control group, time series, and regression discontinuity--to type of software being evaluated, and on circumstances under which evaluation is conducted. (MBR)

Reviews the evolution of research on effective teaching in an effort to account for the lack of practical findings to assist classroom teachers. Four influences are detailed: teacher qualities vs the nature of teaching, lack of guiding theories/models, methodological problems, and the lack of criterion measures for comparisons. (RAO)

Reviews multichannel learning research to find the best ways to combine audio and video in television to improve learning, and summarizes the research findings into principles for instructional television production. Highlights include the effects of redundancy on learning and on audience attention, message clarity, and problems in instructional…

Reviews the literature discussing the effects of instructional software and hardware in elementary and secondary education and reports on recent developments. Topics discussed include criticism of studies on the effects of instructional software; research needs; authoring languages; simulations; intelligent computer-assisted instruction;…