Examines the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Identifies ethnomethodological conversation analysis to analyze a segment of interaction in a problem-based learning (PBL) meeting. Observes that the presentation of a theory makes relevant a variety of sequential activities through which participants in this instructional…

States that researchers in technical communication have begun to take advantage of the interactions taking place via computer-mediated communication as a rich source of research. Reviews three forms of technical communication research methods (ethnography, rhetorical analysis, surveys) and raises preliminary issues to consider when using such…

Studies the cultural images and knowledge produced by a Latin American organization in the U.S. south as it plans and produces a Latin American festival. In addition, the complexity of the ethnographic portrayal of the festival is described, with implications drawn for other ethnographic studies. (SLD)

Reports on an ethnographic study of inservice biology teachers (N=8) in which two questions were explored. The questions pertain to the frequency and forms of analogies used by biology teachers to explain scientific concepts to their students. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

This single-case critical ethnography asks what went wrong when a particular child in need of care, Marion, was taken into social services, with disappointing results. A legal system, a public school system, and a human welfare organization are analyzed in light of their bureaucratic natures. Bureaucratic institutions are inappropriate models for…

Examines possible musical and sociocultural influences on decision-making by untrained 8- and 9-year-olds during open-ended, non-notated composing tasks through a classroom ethnography. Uses one of the 21 child-composers participating in this study as an illustrative case. Discusses the results and implications for teachers and researchers. (CMK)

Analyzes an ethnographic study of child second language (L2) learning, focusing on the disputes that two of the children engaged in. Data reveal how these language events both reflected and helped shape the identities of the children in ways that influenced their opportunities for L2 learning. (Author/VWL)

An ethnographic study examined the engagement and learning of five students with learning disabilities participating in Guided Inquiry supporting Multiple Literacies (GisML). A case study illustrates how GisML helped one 4th grader achieve positive outcomes, how GisML also revealed his learning problems, and how contextual features served both to…

Reports research investigating how English-as-a-Second-Language students are positioned in the group work that is routinely a part of many university classes in the United States. Through an ethnographic study of the experience nonnative speakers of English have at U.S. universities, the challenges that these students face as they attempt to…

Observations and interviews over six months at seven adult mental health day programs in Canada showed how organizational context shapes occupational therapy practice. The social organization of knowledge forms an invisible controlling apparatus that constrains the empowerment of adult clients. (96 references) (JOW)

Traditional research methodologies (questionnaire surveys) ignore the role of institutional contexts in defining and structuring human agency. Biography and ethnography acknowledge context's importance in constructing leadership systems and treat followers' implicit theories more effectively. This article discusses the purposes, problems, and…

From a 2-year ethnographic study in a sixth-grade art classroom, explores two different roles of art education: (1) to acknowledge that as students become literate in art they demonstrate their ideologies in their artwork; and (2) to recognize how art can initiate discussions to help students transform their beliefs. (CMK)

Explores gender construction through school interactions. Views gender as a socially produced category by analyzing various theoretical approaches. Develops the genderism of school conduct using two examples from German instruction stating that confusion with sexual orientation arises through the deconstruction of the assumed role and active…

This article describes the process of developing an empowerment approach in a comprehensive child development program that defined its mission as empowerment of families living in poverty. Findings concerning empowerment are presented in two areas: resolution of contrasts and dichotomies, and lessons learned for program effectiveness. (Author)

Reports on part of an ethnographic study of one facility associated with the New Media Centers' Consortium, focusing on the viewpoint of university administration. Suggests the facility was used as a tool for change. Argues for evaluating the role of technology in higher education and for developing an understanding of how its role is legitimized.…