Research And Practice In Education » (New Edition)

Over the years, bridging the gap between research and practice in education has proven to be a stubborn and persistent problem. This book examines the issue from several perspectives. First, the characteristics of educational research are examined, with particular attention given to the contrasting perspectives and professional orientations of researchers and practitioners. Second, the book provides a critical analysis of the current focus on "scientifically based" research as defined by No Child Left Behind and of the dubious relevance and uneven quality of research produced by schools of education. Third, several suggestions and resources are provided that can help practitioners improve their "research literacy" and assist researchers interested in advancing the practical relevance of their work.

About the Author:
Stephen H. Davis is professor in the College of Education and Integrative Studies, California Polytechnic University, Pomona

1 How Wide Is the Divide? 1

2 Research? What Research? 7

3 From Research to Practice: What's the Big Deal? 19

4 Odd Science 33

5 The Research to Policy to Practice Conundrum 53

6 Alien Worlds 83

7 The Search for Common Ground: Can the Gap Be Bridged? 117

Appendix Resources for Developing Research Literacy 125

References 131

Index 137

About the Author 141