This field study suggests that preschoolers' social play should be viewed as a developmentally expanding repertoire of skills and that the performance of the skills is a function of the expectations of the preschool environment (school philosophy and practice). Subjects were 54 Canadian preschoolers, aged 4 and 5. (IAH)

Examines the role of classroom-based research in relation to Montessori's thoughts about scientific pedagogy. Presents three models of on-site evaluation of pedagogical effectiveness that can be carried out by classroom teachers who work with children every day. (BB)

This discussion of authentic assessment stresses that such assessment should be contextual (based on the context of meaning), collaborative (involves learners), and constructive (supports risk-taking). It compares tools designed for formative assessment including criteria checklists, "kidwatching," profiles, conferences, and portfolios. (DB)

Two college professors used peer observation to learn specific instructional techniques and content from each other's classrooms. Pre- and postobservation conferences, surveys of colleagues and other colleges and universities about peer observation and coaching, and reflective journals indicated the experience required great trust but was well…

A total of 153 preschool children with disabilities were observed. Social interaction with peers and teachers, strategies employed in attempts to master tasks, and use of classroom time were recorded, using a modified time sampling procedure. Analysis indicated significant relationships between the children's classroom behavior and their degree of…

Analyzes code-switched utterances in English-as-a-Second-Language classes in Sri Lanka. The study shows some useful functions code-switching serves for classroom management and transmission of lesson content. The negotiation of values, identities, and roles in the classroom prepares students for their sociolinguistic life outside. (24 references)…

Proposes a methodology for the naturalistic investigation of classroom environments in primary schools. Maintains that this approach is derived from a critique of the work of classroom ecologist Walter Doyle. Proposes suggestions for empirical research methods for naturalistic investigation. (CFR)

Discusses a study of how music education majors and nonmusic education majors evaluated a fifth grade music teacher. Reports that nonmusic majors gave significantly higher ratings than majors for three of four teacher characteristics analyzed. Recommends research to determine variables that affect observation and evaluation processes related to…

An eco-behavioral observation system was developed for use with students with behavior disorders or emotional disturbances. Discussed are the ecosystem definition, the student-instructional setting interface, and the assessment procedure, including evaluation of the quality of academic responding, program evaluation, staff development, and…

Results indicated significantly more stress behaviors in children in developmentally inappropriate classes than in children in appropriate classes. Stress behaviors differed according to activity. Males exhibited slightly more stress behavior than females. (BC)

Discusses a study of the sociomoral atmosphere of three kindergarten classrooms and the sociomoral development of students. Reports that children were observed interacting as they played a board game. Concludes that the higher the level of interpersonal understanding enacted by the teacher, the higher the level enacted by children. (SG)

Principals can become more effective supervisors of early childhood programs by understanding how these programs differ from those for upper elementary grades. There are at least seven critical differences involving classroom environment, teacher-student interactions, curriculum, integrated learning, class scheduling, playful learning, and…

The Ecobehavioral Assessment Systems Software (EBASS) is a computer-assisted student observational system which contains three instruments widely used in special education research. This article describes the background, instruments, supporting technology, validation research, and barriers to the use of computer-assisted observational assessment.…

A 3-year pilot study of alternative assessments for over 500 beginning teachers revealed numerous possibilities, including high-inference classroom observations, semistructured interviews, structured simulation tasks, performance-based assessment center exercises, portfolios, videotaped teaching episodes, and revamped multiple-choice examinations.…

The monograph by D. Rogosa and G. Ghandour represents a body of cohesive and comprehensive research that can be the basis of a new measurement theory combining features of generalizability theory and strong true-score theory. Principles, approaches, arguments, and conclusions are reviewed; and critical comments are offered. (SLD)