Suggests that naturalistic inquiry is a subset of empirical research that is highly appropriate to social science and reading research. Proposes that colleges offer opportunities for students to learn and participate in naturalistic research methods and that research journals promote and accept more naturalistic research. (MKM)

A teacher education program which merged elementary and special education into one major was evaluated using naturalistic inquiry methodology. A discussion is presented on the methodology, the process, the major findings, and implications for evaluation of teacher education programs. (JD)

Naturalistic observation procedures examined the use of time by 230 elementary students with disabilities in four special education placements--regular class, resource room, special class, and special school. The least restrictive alternatives, particularly the resource room, made more in-class learning time available. (Author/DB)

Subjects were first, third and fifth graders of high, low, and average status who were observed during recess. Results suggested the need for additional consideration of contextual factors for a more complete understanding of the entry process. Prior findings from laboratory analogue research appeared to replicate in naturalistic conditions. (RH)

Explores how written text emerges from classrooms and wider socio-cultural contexts by examining writing in art, English, biology, sociology, history, and geography classes in a London secondary school. Asserts that writing is a mode of inquiry embracing a variety of language transactions as students make meaning of their world. (MM)

Described coparenting processes in two-parent families raising firstborn toddler boys (n=69). Developmental analysis indicated that the mean frequency of total events and supportive exchanges remained unchanged from 15 months to 21 months, whereas unsupportive interactions decreased and mixed events increased. Individual differences in mothers'…

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)

Home observations of parent-child interactions in 40 families with young children were conducted over 27 months. Ten parent measures showed stability across time but differences across families. The amount of parenting per hour, and the quality of the verbal content of parents' speech, were related to family SES and child IQ. (BC)

Describes briefly four qualitative research projects and examines four sets of questions which illustrate ethical dilemmas embedded in qualitative research of the type described: the conduct of qualitative inquiry in the classroom, project implementation, the effect of the researcher's presence in the field, and understanding questions of pedagogy…

Conducts an ethnographic study, collecting life stories from people with mental retardation living at London's L' Arche community (a center of group homes with disabled and nondisabled residents). Uses Robert Cole's methodology of interpretive narrative, and explains the procedure. Argues that these life stories provide insight that can help…

Explores the learning experiences of college students in an Introduction to Philosophy course and the learning experiences of research collaborators themselves. Finds that learning involves juxtaposing conflicting ways of knowing and that learning occurs when authority for knowledge is redistributed. (PRA)

Research published in April 1989 by H. L. Rich and S. M. Ross is reconsidered. Naturalistic observation of students in resource rooms, classrooms, special classes and special schools were used and results found resource rooms inherently flawed, a finding considered in this article to be unsupported by study data. (PB)

In response to criticism (EC 600 437), H. L. Rich and S. M. Ross defend their research published in April 1989. Naturalistic observation techniques used are discussed, conclusions regarding the regular education initiative supported, and findings concerning drawbacks of resource rooms reiterated and clarified. (PB)

A Mohawk farmer reflects on the value of farming in relation to maintaining political sovereignty, observing and valuing nature and its cycles, developing a sense of community and family responsibility, traditional religion, sharing, and appropriate family living. Views are given on natural pest control, intercropping, use of herbs, reviving…

This article discusses three major purposes of observation in functional behavioral assessment: to describe and help analyze the classroom events leading to challenging behaviors, to develop and evaluate the accuracy of hypotheses about these triggers, and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for challenging behavior developed from the…