Ten elementary school teachers were asked to select from their classrooms boy and girl pairs whom they would label as best, average, and least well-behaved in classroom conduct. Retrospective teacher ratings and immediate behavioral observation data were then collected for each of these students. (Author/JMB)

Trained observers conducted direct observations of Thai and American children's school behavior and obtained teacher reports on the same children. Observers reported twice as much problem behavior and off-task behavior in American children as in their Thai age-mates, contradicting some earlier studies. Findings support the value of direct behavior…

Observations indicated that, in contrast to children attending preschool half-days, preschool children attending full-days spent significantly more time on tasks directed and guided by teachers, interacted more positively with peers, and engaged in more physical activity. Teachers rated full-time students, especially boys, as more aggressive and…