Addresses some of the recent criticism aimed at educational research, its failure to provide a sound base for teaching or to generate a cumulative body of knowledge. Answers that there is always a dichotomy between research and application and argues that restrictions would only worsen the situation. (MJP)

The public debate on the activities of college faculty is discussed, and a new, more policy-relevant approach to studying these activities is offered. The approach requires looking at faculty work activities as integrated and holistic, rather than fragmented, and describing faculty in a way that reflects the individualistic nature of faculty work.…

Interviews with 108 high school teachers in eastern Kentucky, northeastern England, and St. Petersburg (Russia) examined cross-cultural similarities and differences in teachers' beliefs about influences on student motivation. The findings demonstrate how comparative research that relies solely on teacher opinions can be problematic. Studies that…

Examines research on computer-based mathematics learning in the context of constructivist learning and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards. The reviewed studies examined the effectiveness of computer software in the three categories of programming, computer-assisted instruction, and mathematical tools. Future research is…

Reviews research on experiences of vulnerable and poor English multiracial families. Finds three emerging concerns: (1) relationship between family structure, locality and racism, and disadvantage and oppression; (2) the impact of family life on culturally defined gender roles; and (3) the limitations of current early years research and practice.…

Describes a study conducted at Ohio State University libraries that gauged success using the Library Resources Network by having 43 users complete an exercise that forced them to make database selections, use a variety of database interfaces, and select appropriate terminology. Sample screen displays and the questionnaire used are appended.…

Discusses gaps in the provision and quality of education across Commonwealth countries and between the Commonwealth and other countries. Outlines a research agenda on issues related to access to education (home, community, school, personal, and political barriers); inclusive education (both for children with disabilities and cultural minority…

Describes study conducted with British undergraduate library science students that compared natural language indexing and searching with controlled language searching on a computerized database. The use of the ERIC Thesaurus and Sears List of Subject Headings is explained, recall and precision measures are reported, and further research is…

Questions past educational research and its effect on policy making and educational practice. Asks whether education is a scholarly pursuit, science, or art. Expresses concern that instruction of educational methods has a detrimental effect on knowledge of the field. Claims actual classroom teaching must be guided by research, a body of…

Explores the problems of teaching art to preadolescents by taking into account the experiences and reflections of the teachers, students, and the researcher. Uses cross-site analysis and categorizes the problems into three groups: (1) contradictions in student behaviors; (2) instructional demands; and (3) institutional contingencies. Includes…

Reviews treatment needs of dual diagnosed, substance abusing and mentally ill mothers. Suggests treatment strategies and programmatic options for serving and meeting needs of these mothers and their children. Devotes particular attention to residential and continuing care services and skills-based interventions for target clients. Concludes with…

Discussion of text segmenting and comprehension highlights a study of elementary students in Australia that tested two hypotheses, one concerning reading abilities and one concerning information processing skills involved in syntactic analysis. Tests that measured vocabulary, comprehension, and processing skills are described, results are…

Summarizes the main themes and presents recommendations of the international conference, "Children in an Information Age: Tomorrow's Problems Today," that was held in Bulgaria in 1985. Topics discussed include computer training for children; the need for well designed research; the teacher-computer relationship; artificial intelligence;…

Describes study that investigated the relationship between participation in a business simulation game and performance on a final exam in a principles of marketing course. Past research on business games is reviewed; the use of midterm exam performance level as a pretest variable is explained; and question classification is described. (44…

Describes a 1987 survey of bibliographic instruction in U.S. academic libraries that was sponsored by the Library Orientation-Instruction Exchange (LOEX), and compares results with data gathered in 1979. Highlights include instructional methods, print and nonprint materials, evaluation methods, publicity methods, and suggestions for future…