An ethnographic approach with added quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis was used to study the extent and nature of technology-based materials in 15 elementary school mathematics classrooms. The blend of methods provided rich and varied information and gave insights either type of analysis could not provide alone. (SLD)

Describes the rule structure within which 3- to 5-year-olds operate as they develop social pretend skills. Identifies implicit and explicit rules supported with narrative excerpts. Explicit rules include having a leader who suggests the plot, asking to play, taking a role in the pretend sequence, and playing fairly. Implicit rules include…

Describes empirical investigations of people's use of relevance criteria. Highlights include a laboratory experiment and a naturalistic study that explored the patterns of movement in use of relevance criteria during real-time document evaluation processes; criteria patterns; and a classification scheme and criteria taxonomy that may enable…

Describes a career awareness program in which focused shadow experiences with General Electric employees are a key element. For two years these shadow experiences were systematically observed and analyzed to clarify actual process elements in the experiences, and to assess their effectiveness in achieving shadow experience objectives. (Author)

Presents results of two studies supporting the hypothesis that attribution of more aggression to boys may be a function of observer bias. Reports that some forms of instruction eliminate sex-typed biases while others yield significant biases. Discusses implications pertaining to the socialization of aggression and to research on sex differences in…

A development and field-testing effort explored ways of helping preservice teachers learn classroom management knowledge and skills during field-based preservice courses. An observation guide, "Learning the Classroom Environment, An Observer's Guide to Classroom Management" (Sanford & Emmer, 1985), has four general areas: the classroom setting;…

The article describes Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD), a screening procedure for identifying elementary students at risk for serious behavior disorders. Teacher judgment is the primary information source for the first two screening stages and direct behavioral observations for the third. Results of a year-long SSBD study are…

Describes the development of the VV-BOS (Visualizer/Verbalizer Behavior Observation Scale), a computer-based instrument for direct observation of students' preferences for visual or verbal learning material. Results of a study with second-language learners indicated a high degree of reliability as an alternative to conventional questionnaires.…

The paper describes an observation instrument originally developed as a research tool to assess both the special setting and the regular classroom. The instrument can also be used in determining appropriate placement for students with learning disabilities and for programming the transfer of skills learned in the special setting to the regular…

The Code for Instructional Structure and Student Academic Response--Special Education (CISSAR-SPED) is an observation system which assesses the ecobehavioral processes within learning environments. Use of CISSAR-SPED with 12 students with autism or developmental disabilities provided both molar and molecular descriptions of special education…

Uses the metaphor of "performance" from an interpretive perspective as a guide to understanding the nature of managerial communication. Develops three managerial processes of "rationality,""sociability," and "authority" and illustrates these processes with observational data from a field study of managerial…

Tracks bargaining interaction and the development of arguments between school administrators and teachers (on the issue of teachers' files and evaluations) through sequential sessions and caucus meetings. Examines similarities and differences in the reasoning process on subissues that are dropped, modified, or retained in the final argument. (PD)

Beginning teachers often experience "transition shock," a paradoxical situation in which they do not know how to apply theories they learned to classroom situations. A case is described showing a young teacher's dilemma regarding disciplinary actions to be taken with a student. (JN)

The French language article analyzes the Test of Science Processes and describes other measurements of the investigative skills of secondary students. It defines problem solving, scientific method, investigation (the preferred strategy for teaching high school science curricula), and two fundamental investigative abilities: observation and…

Describes a study exploring the social dynamics within a typical preschool classroom that included a 3-year-old with severe visual impairments. Notes findings that this child was an active participant in shared social experiences with his peers, which contributed to his membership and acceptance. Discusses adult mediation and interpretation of the…