Describes the development of a research instrument that monitors student views on a broad range of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) topics. Qualitative data were used to produce the multiple-choice responses of this instrument which focuses on cognition rather than affect. Uses of the instrument include making cross-cultural comparisons,…

From observations of four Canadian elementary schoolteachers, this article describes teacher practice and teacher knowledge within the context of science education. Four assertions emerged from the study what teachers do depends of their biography and experience; teachers search for comfortable patterns of practice; teacher knowledge develops…

Analyzed 24 dyadic interactions of black clients and white or black race-avoidant counselors in quasi-counseling sessions. Uncovered following core categories related to interactional quality: smooth, exasperated, constricted, and disjunctive. Categories were explained by whether and how client introduced race concerns, client racial identity…

Lectures of two first-semester teaching assistants, one native American English speaker (NS) and one Korean (NNS) whose discourse was perceived as difficult to follow, were examined. It is argued that the NS's hypotatic constructions provide explicit signals of logical and prominence relations that are missing in the NNS's discourse. (51…

Discusses educational research in mathematics, the relevance of research for classroom teachers, trends in the kinds of research being conducted in mathematics education, tips for reading research studies, and unanswered questions from research. (Contains 19 references.) (MKR)

Describes a qualitative study conducted with graduate students at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) to describe patterns of computer-mediated communication (CMC) usage and to explore alternative ways of describing users of communication systems. Patterns of CMC usage are described, and dynamics of online communication are…

Structure of mathematical concept of multiplication and its integration into conceptual system, with respect to formal and informal aspects of understanding for 10 university students, are investigated through linear scale assessment of examples for prototypical effects and through follow-up interview which included direct explanations of…

Used qualitative research methodology to interpret 126 adolescents' responses to questions about their views on peace. Eighth grade students in Australia, Canada, and the United States identified underlying causes and behavioral indications of potential for war and provided prescriptions for peace. Subjects viewed skills in interpersonal…

A longitudinal multimethod intervention project studying the relationship between work stress and health combined qualitative and quantitative techniques such as semistructured individual and focus group interviews, field tests, and surveys. The multifaceted approach strengthened the research process and confidence in the outcomes of needs…

Examines the principal's role in school restructuring using essential school precepts. Based on qualitative data from a 2.5-year longitudinal study, results indicate that principals must assume a more inclusive, prominent role in restructuring efforts. The Coalition of Essential Schools' metaphor "student as worker, teacher as coach"…

Considers the phenomenological arguments for collaborative approaches to educational research. Urges that cooperation become a form of social and political critique. Illustrates the political context of research by drawing on a collaborative case study of British school governors. Contends that phenomenological and critical paradigms may be…

Discussed are the implications of the three main stages of conceptual change--"awareness, disequilibrium, and reformulating"--on misconceptions of grade 10 students in Israel. The difficulties and problems encountered with the procedure are included. (KR)

Twelve students (ages 13-18) who attended a Purdue University (Indiana) summer residential program for gifted students for at least 3 years were interviewed, along with their parents, concerning their views on the programs. Students appreciated the challenging coursework, teacher quality, living on a university campus, making friends, and gaining…

Discusses the original rationale for special exemptions from formal ethical oversight for educational research and examines varieties of qualitative educational research consistent with it. Formal ethical oversight of student-research practice is also discussed. Policies are offered to determine which variety should qualify for special exemptions.…

Discusses important factors to consider before deciding on hardware or software to use in building qualitative databases. Examines using the computer to store and retrieve text, store and retrieve graphics, analyze text, analyze graphic materials, distribute data stored on one machine to others, allow researchers access to data from remote sites,…