Discusses research issues related to using cognitive learning and instructional theory to design technology-based learning environments such as hypertext and hypermedia. A "Theory-to-Design" framework is described, and the framework is then used to analyze theoretical and design issues raised in a hypermedia research project. (Contains…

Argues that much work needs to be done to assess the impacts of global networking on academic institutional performance. How the academic networked environment can be defined, possible assessment criteria, the need for a user perspective, and specific research needs are discussed. (Contains 11 references.) (KRN)

Reviews the use of graphic organizers as a means to assist students in the complex act of making sense of content-area text. Explores theoretical and historical foundations of the graphic organizer and reviews current research. Derives implications for the classroom teacher and future research. (RS)

Reports on a project to provide contextual information about the derivative bibliographic relationship by studying a sample of works from a research library catalog. The research design, the proportion of works that were part of bibliographic families, the constitution of bibliographic families, and directions for further research are presented.…

This article examines the relationship between research and service provision to persons with severe mental retardation, notes frequent methodological deficiencies in current research, and proposes establishment of Australian research centers to coordinate research efforts and link research to service delivery. (DB)

This study examined 40 articles published in the "American Journal on Mental Retardation" or the "Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps" (JASH) from 1976-78 and 1986-88. Both journals published low numbers of articles with ecological validity in the late 1970s, but JASH subsequently increased…

It is unclear whether the New American Schools Development Corporation will create a systematic research program or whether the approach through design teams will stimulate random innovation. This paper discusses unanswered questions about President Bush's current proposals. (SLD)

Demonstrates inadequacy of "part-time farming," preferring "pluriactivity." Sets context for 10 papers on pluriactivity and agro-rural change in Western Europe. Outlines applied social science studies on the topic. Voices need for critical, policy-oriented studies in face of changing agricultural and social issues. (TES)

Reports the results of a bibliometric study of the "Journal of the American Society for Information Science" that examined information science as a discipline through determining the institutional affiliation of authors, funding status, and citation counts. Trends over the past 20 years are discussed, and future research is suggested. (40…

Describes a study that was conducted to investigate instructional planning by university faculty who taught adult learners via interactive telecommunications technology in a distance education program. Results indicate that faculty focused on term rather than day-to-day planning, selection and sequencing of content, and developing an extended…

Reviews the ongoing efforts to profile the nation's elementary and secondary schools. The efforts will be incomplete unless new approaches address the diversity in the rural component of the public school universe. Discusses definitional, conceptual, methodological, and policy-application issues related to the task of constructing a federal…

Extends research on factors promoting or undermining school effectiveness. Employs two dimensions of effective internal organization (teacher community and principal leadership) to examine effects of school context variables generally excluded from prior research. Explores whether models of context effects on internal school conditions differ for…

This paper examines physiological and ecological issues involved in the deficits and disabilities of children prenatally exposed to cocaine. It discusses the extent of the problem, physiological effects of cocaine, risks to pregnant women and their babies, long-term effects, and implications for research and intervention. (Author/JDD)

Provides a critical overview of research on play and cognitive development and an analysis of the two major theoretical frameworks (from Piaget and Vygotsky) that have informed it. Outlines the key features of a more powerful research perspective that defines and shapes the context of play as a social activity. (Author/BB)

Discusses the impact of the telecommunication experience on student skills (thinking, reading, writing, group dynamics, and basic computer literacy) and student motivation and attitudes (educational attitudes, self-concept, and world view). Discusses indirect learning as the heart of the project approach to education. Lists research questions on…