Results of this study reveal that well-trained observers report significantly lower levels of cognitive activity on all measures than raters who had no training or only moderate training. Consequently, interpretations of cognitive components of environmental and teacher evaluation scales must be questioned unless generated by trained student…

A large-scale study of the extent of parent involvement on boards in preschool day care indicates that intensity of involvement, rather than the number of parents involved, is the key factor. The impact of parent involvement on staff and classroom environment also is examined. (MS)

The history and utility of category observation instruments are briefly traced; category observation instruments are defined and their essential properties stated; and a sequential strategy for their construction is discussed. (MM)

Results of this study indicate that programs designed to break down the barriers to cross-sex and cross-race association could be a powerful approach to increasing positive social interaction in the classroom. (MM)

Proposes a broader concept of college faculty peer evaluation, in which perspectives of teacher, learner, and observer are considered. Argues that three basic principles (intention/interpretation, advisement/appraisement, acceptability/accessibility) must necessarily and minimally guide peer evaluation. Presents a four-part, multidimensional peer…

Discusses the methodology used in the Models of Media Education research projects which examined media teaching styles of a group of secondary English teachers in the United Kingdom. Offers conclusions about the teachers' aims and focal concepts in their lessons. Considers the extent to which curriculum innovation involves pedagogical change and…

Examined time spent in interaction by students and teachers in the classroom and patterns of question and answer through classroom observations. Results showed that much of class time is devoted to teacher talk rather than to student talk. The majority of questions asked by the teacher were of the display type, while the responses of the students…

An exploration process through which supervisors can encourage teachers to make their own teaching decisions includes teaching teachers how to observe classroom interaction, code and analyze interaction, interpret classroom behavior patterns, and make informed instructional decisions based on the analysis and interpretation. Bringing teachers…

Compares the reading attitudes of students with reading difficulties to teachers' impressions of their students' reading attitudes. Finds that teachers underestimate their students' positive attitude toward reading activities and that structured observation by teachers may increase teachers' knowledge of students' attitudes. (RS)

An Apple II computer was placed in a university laboratory school classroom so that children's natural interaction with a computer could be observed. Detailed observational logs were kept for 39 interactions. Results indicated that computer play is an initial step in computer literacy. (RH)

Describes a three-workshop series designed to train classroom observers of English teachers employed by a Middle Eastern oil company. Based on the results of a needs assessment, three workshop topics were identified: (1) classroom observation for staff development purposes, (2) classroom observation forms, and (3) classroom observation meetings.…

Observation is used to chart children's development, to gain insight into children's behavior, and to guide curricular decision making. It also plays an important role in assessment, by either replacing or supplementing standardized evaluation instruments. These ideas and guidelines offer practical, field-tested advice for incorporating…

Reports on the Ecole Moderne, a French educational reform movement that began in the 1920s that views technology as a tool. Through a review of the literature, interviews with leaders of the Freinet movement, and observations of Freinet classrooms in France, the impact of modern technology on the Ecole Moderne movement and implications for…

A procedure-based observational scoring system and a notebook completed by students were evaluated as science assessments for 41 fifth grade students experienced in hands-on science and 55 fifth grade students inexperienced in hands-on science. Results suggest that notebooks may be a reasonable, although less reliable, surrogate for observed…

Discusses the need for those involved in the education of young children to adopt a reflective stance toward their work. Considers the value, in research done by practitioners, of making observations and keeping records, studying unfamiliar topics, doing background reading, and interpreting and communicating research results. Applies these…