Infusion of research and practice into personnel preparation

The challenge of this topic suggests that definition of terms would help to assure common frame of reference. Webster (1979) defines research as inquiry or examination; investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws (p. 976). One of my professors once defined research in more simplistic way as an organized manner of gathering information for the purpose of making changes in educational practices. Notice that each of these definitions includes the component of application of new knowledge. Practice is defined by Webster (1979) as actual performance or application of what is advocated in principle; to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient (p. 895). A more pragmatic definition might be: practice is how we go about doing what is generally believed to be appropriate. Infusion is defined as a process of permeating with something (principle or quality) which will alter the product for the better (Webster, 1979, p. 588). Perhaps by merging these three concepts of research, practice, and infusion, we can understand what our goals should be in personnel preparation. Despite the fact that there are relatively small numbers of professionals in personnel preparation and research for visually handicapped in academic institutions who are engaged in studious inquiry, investigation, and experimentation, some new knowledge has emerged to indicate needed revisions in theories. Perhaps of greater concern is the fact that considerable amount of new and valuable information is available but