Interviewing is one of the most common and most powerful research methods in sociology. To provide an overview of interviewing in social research, the preliminaries and some tactics applied in interviewing are illustrated firstly. Secondly, various forms of interviewing employed in social research are analyzed specifically. Finally, the issues of interviewing are critically examined.
Telephone interviewing is a crucial but not well-documented qualitative research method in sociology.Such aspects as how to conduct a telephone interview and by whom such a method is best used,are illustrated specifically.More importantly,the advantages and disadvantages of telephone interviews are critically exploited.As a relatively cheap,flexible and reliable means of gathering data,telephone interview deserves more attention.Moreover,due to such obstacles as sampling,establishing rapport and recognizing the limitations of data generated,it is best to use telephone interviewing for educational research in conjunction with other data collection methods.
Life history research,as one of the most powerful research methods in sociology,brings some re-freshened air into interpretive research.In this paper,the development of life history research,from modernism to postmodernism,from life story to life history,is firstly illustrated.Then the process of conducting life history research is analyzed specifically,which is followed by its unique strengths.Finally,its issues,its general issues and its special issues in Chinese context,are critically examined.
The paper refers to some classic texts on professionalism/professionalization which offer a spectrum of different interpretations and shed light on the possible confusion of the terms,with critique on the classic functionalist claims and the emergence of new professionalism.The paper illustrates the history of Chinese secondary teachers over the last few decades,and tries to examine the implications of western conception of teacher professionalism and the professional development of Chinese secondary teachers.With the current trend toward globalization,Chinese teachers professionalism will take on a look of global professionalism(dominated by western professionalism),while with China's own context playing a role in its development.
