Ginger Weade
University of Florida

Abstract: In this article, the situation of teacher researchers is explored from a sociocultural perspective. Teacher researchers are viewed as an emergent community of educators who position themselves for leadership and change in the traditional, role-based distinctions that divide research and practice. By taking the classroom as the central focal point for researchers and teachers alike, and applying a concept of insiders and outsiders to what happens there, a wide range of actors and issues involved in generating theories and informing practice is made visible. Inquiry, whomever conducts it, is viewed as an active process through which purposes are systematically and intentionally related to issues of setting, time, conditions, actions to be taken, and audience(s). Directions for the future of the teacher research movement are located in a focus on student learning, what we shall choose to count as learning when learning counts, and how we should value the social consequences of learning.

Citation: Weade, G. (1992). Insiders and outsiders in classroom research: blurring the boundaries. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 32(1), 60-72.

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Dorothy Routh
SouthEastern Regional Vision for Education (SERVE)

Dianne Wilkes
SouthEastern Regional Vision for Education (SERVE)

Abstract: Recognizing the many benefits of teacher-conducted research, policymakers are beginning to promote classroom research as a way to encourage innovation and achieve significant school improvement goals. To foster teacher-conducted research, they are endorsing staff development in formal research procedures and providing access to the technology and resources necessary to conduct classroom research. Many schools are also providing teacher researchers the opportunity to collaborate with other educators and researchers through such innovative approaches as release time for collaborations with colleagues and research partnerships with universities. Supported by such policies, the teacher-as-researcher movement is gaining momentum, and teacher researchers are playing a key role in linking research and practice to school improvement.

Citation: Routh, D. (1992). Fostering teacher-conducted research. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 32(1), 73-82.

Download:  Routh.321.pdf (1434 downloads )

Nancy L. McFarland
Florida State University

Abstract: In a very practical way, grammar is the foundation that speakers and writers rely on to communicate. The integration of grammar and writing instruction in classrooms is essential for building students’ awareness of the numerous ways in which they can use language. By teaching students how to use their words and their ideas to create writing for readers to enjoy, teachers encourage students to use their abilities freely. Through this teacher-researcher project, the question of how grammar and writing instruction assists or hinders students’ writing skills was studied. Based on interviews, a brief survey, and examples of students’ writing, it was found that the students wanted more practical assistance in writing and grammar. The implications for teaching grammar at the high school level are discussed.

Citation: McFarland, N. L. (1992). (6) “It comes out weird to me:” perspectives on grammar and writing. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 32(1), 52-59.

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Jane J. Leonard
Florida State University School

Abstract: Discipline in the 1990s presents a challenge for many classroom teachers. One solution arising from a teacher-researcher project involved creating a “working community” in a second grade class. Community officers, rules, consequences, and elections were incorporated and maintained by the students. Participation helped develop students’ responsibility for individual behavior, and concern for others flourished. Some of the most difficult community offenders were forced by their peers to re-examine their actions and be in charge of them. A new appreciation for “responsibility” evolved as the community concept led to new understandings for the students and the teacher. A difficult group of second graders became citizens who were in charge.

Citation: Leonard, J. J. (1992). Building classroom community in a second grade class. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 32(1), 34-40.

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Frances K. Kochan
Florida State University

Abstract: Coping with constant change requires that organizations create internal cooperative networking systems, implement joint decision-making, and transfer responsibility for solving problems to those working closest to them. In the school setting, this requires a change in the role and relationships among teachers, administrators, and students. Rather than being viewed as an authority figure, the administrator becomes part of a decision-making team that helps establish a vision and mission for the school. Teachers must become models who are themselves researchers capable of reflecting on practice and improving it based upon their reflection. This article examines how a teacher-researcher program fits into the reform and restructuring movement of today and presents practical information for the administrator in developing and implementing such an endeavor.

Citation: Kochan, F. K. (1992). Research and practice: an administrator’s view. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 32(1), 27-33.

Download:  Kochan.321.pdf (1881 downloads )