Theoretical impact of Kansas City Studies stems from issues ignored as much as from those addressed. Studies advanced search for "normal" aging, although diversity was not adequately addressed initially. Also adopted and furthered a highly individualistic understanding of aging, whereas the sociological analyses lacked adequate…

Examines the implications of computerized scoring of placement essays on the theory and practice of writing assessment and writing instruction. Argues that the very feature that makes computerized scoring inexpensive--its universality--undermines its validity. (SR)

A discussion of the responsibility of the college teacher as researcher looks at the researcher's role in setting agendas that may be of national or international significance, effects of research on the lives of individuals and groups studied, possible consequences of the findings, and perceptions of "successful" research. More difficult debates…

Reviews a book, "Teachers' Voices for School Change" by Andrew Gitlin, on educative research and teacher voice, examining the educative research process which grounds reflection in the life histories of teacher researchers, presenting four case studies on educative research, and reflecting on the educative research process itself.…

This article suggests that recent developments in cognitive science offer legal scholars the means to better understand the range of knowledge and practice of lawyers, including such issues as judgment, wisdom, expertise, and relationship of theory to practice in law. A broader view of the role of theory in lawyering practice is proposed;…

Suggests that andragogy is ill defined and the nature of sociological theory in nursing education is too undeveloped to produce a "knowledgeable doer," a qualitatively different kind of nurse practitioner. Proposes a critical health curriculum using student-centered learning and critical theory. (SK)

A former classroom teacher studied the role of action research in restructuring schools. The article discusses the background information she collected on reasons for conducting action research (personal/professional growth, improved practice, advancing the profession, contributing to the professional literature, promoting collaboration, and…

Reacts to Martin's (1995) essay concerning scientism in psychotherapy. Argues that the lack of understanding concerning the effectiveness of psychotherapy is reason for further examination, rather than a questioning of principles of research. The limited observation and measurement means of the behavioral sciences may account for the significant…

Demonstrates that critical approaches to voice, as a central manifestation of subjectivity, are currently skewed toward spoken or written phenomenon. Argues for voicing as a phenomenon that is constructed and expressed visually and orally, and as a phenomenon that has import also in being a thing heard, perceived, and reconstructed. (TB)

This commentary on EC 608 302, which discusses behavioral research methodology involving individuals with developmental disabilities, argues that a clear distinction must be made between methods and models, there is a need for more broadly focused intervention studies considering the body of applied practical knowledge, and differences in research…

This commentary on EC 608 301, a paper on behavioral research methodology used with individuals with developmental disabilities, argues that the paper does not portray behavior analysis accurately, advances arguments that may not be reliably enough agreed upon, and seeks to modify reader behavior without sufficiently addressing the variables of…

This response to four commentaries (EC 608 302-305) on these authors' earlier paper discussing behavioral research methodology used with individuals with developmental disabilities (EC 608 301) contends that the original paper does not denigrate behaviorism and that practice needs to be informed by a variety of inputs regarding treatment decisions…

Two practicing English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL teachers respond to Rod Ellis' January 1993 article in "ELT Journal," which discussed importance of grammar instruction in EFL classrooms. Argues some of Ellis' assumptions about current classroom practices are inaccurate and a number of his "alternative" approaches to teaching grammar, such as…

Provides an overview of the following article by Rogoff (PS523071) in terms of its focus and contribution. Notes the article's focus on the proposition that development is a process of transformation through participation in cultural practices, and that changes must be considered at three levels: personal, interpersonal, and community. (BAC)

Presents the theoretical position that as people participate in sociocultural activities, they contribute to the development of community practices that simultaneously contribute to the individuals' own development. Illustrates this argument using observations of the developmental processes of individual Girl Scouts and of community traditions of…