A Tel Aviv University (Israel) study applied qualitative methods to evaluate a model for improvement of university teaching. A departmental instruction specialist treats instructional quality issues comprehensively within a department. Two years of implementation in the physics department have resulted in increased instructional quality, faculty…

Reports a study that investigated how kindergarten children view participation in physical education. Four students of varying skill levels were observed, interviewed, and videotaped. The students demonstrated a relentless persistence for play, which conflicted with the teacher's zone of acceptable responses. Children preferred tasks presented in…

Describes pedagogical content knowledge model. Uses interviews and observation to examine development of pedagogical content knowledge of two student teachers in a one-year elementary teacher education program. Concludes student-teacher success requires supervisors' understanding and support. (TES)

Presents an interpretive study of the Armenian genocide of 1915 based on Israel Charny's societal-forces model. Argues genocides follow a pattern of long discriminatory relationships between a dominant and a dominated group. Cites the economic achievements of dominated groups as the basis. Shows the global pattern of genocide. (NL)

This study used interviews and home observations with three families to examine how chronic illness in a young child affects daily family life. The families reported frequent low vitality, selective interest in available support groups, restricted social life, and preoccupation with decisions concerning their child's illness. General strategies,…

Presents results of intensive clinical interviews with 11 high school chemistry students representing a broad range of achievement levels as selected from 180 students who completed a written test upon completion of an instructional unit on chemical change. Results indicate that students commonly experience difficulties in chemical knowledge,…

Describes a qualitative study that explores students' perceptions of their own learning. Document review, participant observation, and open-ended interviews were used to gather and triangulate data. Factors that were perceived as helpful were woven into a theoretical model. The uses of the model are discussed. (Author/KR)

Reviews empirical education research trends in West Germany since 1965. Reports on the movement from normative research to empirical research in educational settings. Considers research priorities and the primacy of the University of Constance (West Germany) in developments focusing on analyzing the factual order of the educational system rather…

The status of formal recommendations is different in the naturalistic evaluation model than in the traditional empirical model. The evaluation of a high school peer support program for alcohol abuse prevention illustrates that reader-generated recommendations may have more usefulness and impact than do evaluator-generated ideas. (SLD)

Describes the use of oral history as a means of having students experience qualitative research. Argues that instructors have to teach reading, listening, and writing skills to help students do oral history. Includes some problems associated with this method and suggests ways to overcome them. (CFR)

Responses of students in grades K-10 (42 interviewed; 98 written) to 4 common fractions problems were analyzed for iconic mode processes in relationship to concrete symbolic mode development. Concludes that progress in the latter, without development of complementary iconic support, limits both understanding and flexibility in solving problems.…

Describes research which compared the processing loads of mathematical representations and strategies used by (n=3) teachers and (n=29) children aged 5-8 for interpreting subtraction operations represented in numerical form. Some representations and strategies appeared to impose an extra processing load which can interfere with conceptual…

This study used participant observation and interviews to evaluate the use of facilitated communication with two sixth-grade students with cognitive disabilities. Results indicated that facilitators provided a unique combination of support, tailored to individualized needs and including physical support, decision making, and negotiating of meaning…

Examined the potential of teacher-researcher collaboration for enhancing the effectiveness of early learning experiences of 4-year-olds in England. Found that, during fieldwork, child engagement and teachers' stimulation, sensitivity, engagement, and autonomy increased. Teacher and student engagement were related. Suggests that teachers who strive…

Examined the transition of 10 children to day care. Found that separation from parent was difficult for one child and that a caring teacher, opportunities for exploration, and support in those activities assisted in overcoming separation difficulties. Identified the caregiver-child relationship as important for supporting children in their…