Abstract
The main purposes o f this chapter are to describe the microgenetic method and to discuss how
this method can be adapted to classroom research. The microgenetic method is a methodology
in which researchers gather intensive data from learners over an extended period o f time to generate a very rich picture o f moment-to-moment learning processes. The method aims to detect
learning events as they occur so that researchers can understand the precise events that shape
learning. To date, the microgenetic method has been used mainly in developmental studies o f
individual children learning strategies in controlled settings. There are significant challenges in
adapting this methodology to classroom research. An important goal o f this chapter is to discuss
ways o f adapting the microgenetic method to classroom research.