A highly publicized controversy over a Colorado State University administrator's paid leave of absence has stirred public suspicion about paid leave for faculty and administrators, and state legislation to abolish administrative leave and regulate faculty sabbaticals has been introduced. Scholars insist sabbaticals are necessary to scholarship.…

Although university technological research may help industry save money, some are concerned it may also help eliminate needed jobs. Observers disagree over the ultimate impact of technology transfer and the role of public policy in promoting it. Some recommend social policies designed to mitigate disruption by technological change. (MSE)

Proposes the establishment of a Research Foundation for Open Learning, and reflects on the Open University's achievements and the need for change. (Author/AEF)

Defines virtual reality and explains terminology, theoretical concepts, and enabling technologies. Research and applications are described; limitations of current technology are considered; and future possibilities are discussed, including the use of virtual reality in training for cross-cultural communication. (22 references) (LRW)

Increasingly, researchers in the social sciences are joining education scholars and studying basic issues in learning, including how children can be actively engaged in learning, effects of educational setting, and assessment of learning. The interest is prompted by availability of funding for applied research and by broader intellectual trends.…

Lessons learned by the University of Arizona through participation in two major scientific projects, construction of an astronomical observatory and a super cyclotron, are discussed. Four criteria for institutional participation in such projects are outlined, including consistency with institutional mission, adequate resources, leadership, and…

Application of a multidimensional measure of university research activity, the Research Activity Index (RAI), is described and compared to the more common use of research and development expenditures as a criterion of activity. The RAI incorporates seven expenditure variables, three graduate-student-related variables, and a research library…

A survey of seven Canadian research granting agencies concerning weighting of criteria in applications for graduate student awards found undergraduate grades were heavily weighted. However, literature on early career indicators suggests this is not an effective predictor of future research productivity. Strategies for improving use of predictive…

This paper reviews trends in research into creativity and describes the Profiling Project which is examining Creative Problem Solving (CPS), an ecologically based process model used to define problems, generate ideas, and refine solutions. Research into five dimensions of CPS are proposed: the situational outlook, personal orientation, outcomes,…

Because of the schedules, preferences, and varied information needs of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine (Texas), a system of computer and telecommunications technologies was developed to facilitate research and project planning. The system integrates cellular phones, voice mail, facsimile publishing, distributed document delivery, and…

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)

Explores theoretical concerns of political economy approaches in agriculture and links these to farm pluriactivity. Focuses on relevance of debates concerning labor commoditization and uneven development, suggesting recognition of pluriactivity for broader understanding of political economy. Recommends broader approach for understanding economic…

Presents an empirically derived model of school district decision making during recruitment into school health research projects, illustrating how sound research practices can be enhanced by applying systematic procedures to the recruitment and retention of schools. The article discusses how successful recruitment addresses political, economic,…

It is argued that universities are failing the nation's youth by giving research a higher priority than teaching. Further, it is proposed that as institutions return to teaching as their primary mission, they will have to eliminate much excess administration and ancillary, noneducational activities. (MSE)

Addresses the relationship between research and teaching in the social sciences. Explains that the study examined academic work from economics, political science, psychology, and sociology departments to determine work attitudes and practices. Concludes that teaching and research are not complementary roles but different conflicting dimensions.…