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Knowledge is Infinite IN THIS ISSUEThe full newsletter (7.6 MB) is also available as a PDF file for downloading, viewing, and printing.
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NLE continues to build knowledge as additional research endeavors emerge. New projects include a research synthesis series, an impressive collection of research literature on a set CD-ROMs, and a periodic compilation of quality research through Advances in Education Research.
RESEARCH SYNTHESIS ON CRITICAL ISSUES
IN AMERICAN EDUCATION
by Dr. David Boesel
The National Library of Education is initiating a series of research syntheses on critical issues in American education. Dr. David Boesel, in collaboration with other researchers at Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), will prepare the synthesis.
(The NLE Research Synthesis Series is designed to address the lack of balanced and objective information needed to guide the actions and decisions of researchers, policymakers, teachers, administrators, students, and parents.)
The NLE Research Synthesis Series is designed to address the lack of balanced and objective information needed to guide the actions and decisions of researchers, policymakers, teachers, administrators, students, and parents. Often it is hard to tell what conclusions can be drawn from education research. The Synthesis project will address this need by collecting the empirical literature on critical issues in education, perusing research methods and results, and producing studies that are comprehensive and unbiased.
The first synthesis in the series is a study of General Educational Development (GED) test. The study, authored Dr. Boesel, Dr. Nabeel Alsalam, and Dr. Thomas Smith, examines a large body of empirical research on the outcomes of GED certification in postsecondary institutions, the labor market, and the military. The performance of GEDs is compared with that of other dropouts and high school graduates. The study is expected to be published by early fall. (For more information, contact Dr. David Boesel at 202-219-1598.)
Advances in Education Research, Spring 1997
by Judy Craig
The National Library of Education in its role as the nation's collector and creator of education research information, produces publications such as Advances in Education Research to promote recent research findings and disseminate the latest education information. The Spring issue of 1997 presents seven articles that cover two themes: reading comprehension and subject-area learning. The articles unify these two themes under a central focus-the processes through which students understand, interpret, and use information. To investigate these processes, the researchers use a variety of approaches, including direct observation, case study analysis, experimental intervention, and research synthesis.
Copies may be obtained by contacting The National Library of Education at 1-800-424-1616.
Digitized Research Literature Project
by Judy Craig and Bob Thomas
As a new service, the National Library of Education is offering a set of 31 disks containing approximately 8,300 ERIC resumes of Research and Development Centers and over 5,000 full-text documents found in the ERIC database of all National Educational Research and Development Centers from 1966 to 1997. These materials, previously available only in microfiche or paper copies, give educators and researchers access to the latest education information. A search engine will provide quick access to digital images of curriculum and instructional materials.
The Focus Search Scope offers users a variety of search features. A user may search choosing either one or all of the following: the document number, clearinghouse number, title of publication, publication type, author, descriptors, identifiers, issue, abstract, and institution.
Users will have an option of either a 16 bit or 32 bit platform. Disk one will be utilized to reflect future additional information. For convenience, the user can minimize the screen, backtrack, and view another disk. (For more information, contact Bob Thomas at 202-219-1925.)