Reports and discusses data from an ethnographic study of teacher educators in which a metaphor for teachers' work as bricolage generates a hypothesis about teacher education as a conservative determinant of teachers' work. Discusses the results and reasons why the theoretical adequacy of the bricolage explanation needs improvement. (DSK)

This qualitative study of rocking in four congenitally blind children, ages 10 to 13, used in-depth interviews, observations, psychomotor assessments, and reviews of school and other records. Findings revealed similarities in the children's early medical histories, delays in motor development, constraints on vigorous movement, and limited peer…

Examines the nature of transformational leadership and its relation to teachers' changed practices within the context of two Dutch large-scale innovations. Results revealed three dimensions of transformational leadership (vision, individual consideration, and intellectual stimulation) and their significant effects on teachers' concerns, learning…

Presents results of a policy study of implementation of the transition mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Five "model sites" and four "representative sites" were identified and visited. Results of the cross-case analysis focus on factors supporting and posing challenges to implementation. (Author/DB)

Discusses the study of teacher researchers undertaking research into self-chosen aspects of their own mathematics teaching at the secondary level by using qualitative methods to explore the processes and practices of this research and the issues that it raised. Emphasizes that emergent theory of teachers' research activity fit strongly with a view…

Cognitive, emotional, and relational characteristics among 10 peer-nominated master therapists were identified through qualitative-research methods. Analysis produced a set of nine characteristics that are found in master therapists. Findings suggest that researchers studying therapist expertise may want to explore emotional and relational…

Offers a nonparticipant observation exercise that allows students to engage in research quickly, while keeping in mind constraints created by one-semester introductory courses. Discusses the selection of observation sites and topics, ethics and policies of human-subject research, procedures for taking notes, classroom discussion of student…

A hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was used to explore the experience of eight women university students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Two themes describing obstacles to their education - "robbed of time" and "thoughts like a rubber ball" - were identified. Discusses strategies and treatment issues and…

Interviews were conducted with 16 paraeducators providing support to students with moderate to severe disabilities in general education classrooms. Paraeducators reported numerous roles and responsibilities as well as considerable independence in decision making and program implementation despite their limited training. Implications for the use,…

Based on a qualitative study of 16 faculty of color at a private research university, this article argues that the construct of "service" cay be used to redefine oppressive structures to promote the success of racial minorities in the academy, as well as further social justice and contribute to the redefinition of the academy and the…

Qualitative methodology was used to explore how incarcerated adolescent female delinquents (N=20) described their communication behaviors in multiple contexts. Four themes emerged: (1) participant communication, (2) feelings and emotions, (3) trust, and (4) maltreatment. Implications suggest that speech-language pathologists and educators need to…

Compares the service learning experience of college students to the traditional social science technique of participant observation. Suggests that service learning allows students to test theories through personal observation in a service setting and experience the logic and practice of social research. Uses examples from the Xavier University…

Highlights the importance of and tensions surrounding trust in qualitative inquiry, examining how lessons learned from one experience problematize conventional wisdom about how fieldworkers establish and maintain trust with respondents during fieldwork and writing, and concluding that good data collection can stem from spontaneous and chaotic…

This qualitative study interviewed eight academically "at risk" African American athletes at a southeastern university with a major revenue-producing football program. Analysis suggested that the athletes' marginal academic performance was constructed in a system of interrelated practices engaged in by all the significant members of the academic…

Describes a study that investigated what uses of technology preservice teacher education students planned for their careers after using constructivist technology tools, specifically semantic networks and expert system generation, in their own course. A qualitative analysis of student essays showed positive student attitudes toward using the same…