Reviews the research that suggests that qualitative approaches to the evaluation of library user education programs may sometimes be more appropriate than quantitative measures. The differences between quantitative and qualitative evaluation are discussed, and the instances in which one approach may be preferred to the other are identified. (17…

Interviews with 36 members of 4 rural community betterment groups found that citizens typically learn through direct experience, vicarious experience, and guided experience. They also change their feelings and ways of thinking about groups and develop new awareness of themselves and others. (Author/SK)

Investigates the amount of time infant school children spend waiting for teacher attention while performing seatwork. Discusses implications of the findings for classroom practice. Suggests that the most advantageous method for securing teacher attention may be found in those classes that use a queue system rather than a hands-up signal. (KO)

Identified taxonomy of humor that was developed during seven weeks of participant observation in a small, family-owned business. The various types of humor were found to help minimize differences in status and alleviate workplace tension. Humor also had implications for socialization of employees and appeared to create bonds among employees. (TE)

Discussion of educational software evaluation highlights an evaluation based on program instrumentation of a medical school simulation program. Evaluation strategies are discussed; evaluation techniques, including interviews, questionnaires, and observation are described; and implications of the results of the program instrumentation for the…

Discusses several observation-based methods of student assessment that are recommended in the "Primary Language Record," a book developed by schools in the Inner London Educational Authority. (MM)

Recorded performance of children (N=311) between ages of 6 and 14 by summative ratings of test-session behavior. Results indicated test-session observations were critical as cross-checks of the validity of test scores obtained during test sessions, but provided considerably less insight into children's adaptation and achievement outside the…

Definitions of and approaches to naturalistic evaluation are discussed. The qualitative aspects of the discipline are reviewed; and use of naturalistic evaluation in descriptions, illustrations, explications, hypothesis testing, and assessment of public spending are defined. A new paradigm for naturalistic evaluation is proposed. (TJH)

Students in a teacher training course used a logbook during classroom observation as a tool for guiding the observation, analysis, and synthesis of what was noted. The log accommodates notes on objectives, processes, support materials, group dynamics, space and movement, and other classroom factors. (MSE)

Describes a naturalistic paradigm and discusses the value of using a naturalistic, or qualitative, approach to study the effectiveness of computer-based instruction (CBI) and to design effective courseware. Topics discussed include data collection; data analysis; and findings of naturalistic studies of CBI effectiveness. (53 references) (LRW)

A handheld computer observation system was developed using Hewlett-Packard HP71B computers for recording and IBM-PCs for storing and analyzing data. Algorithims used in observing interactions between handicapped children and peers or teachers are described. Also described are behavior definitions, observer training and observation procedures, the…

Specific Chinese program approaches yielding low recidivism were identified. The rehabilitation or reform approach is based upon three major interventions: education, labor, and ideological instruction. The juvenile system comprises three phases, each dependent upon the seriousness of the crime committed. Inmates are motivated and strive to become…

The role of paraprofessionals in schools has evolved from a primarily clerical function to their current status as instructional assistants. An assessment instrument (designed to determine functions, training needs, and effectiveness of instructional assistants) is included and discussed. (IAH)

Examines the accuracy of quoted speech in newspapers, focusing on what people can remember verbatim and how that information relates to language processing, comprehension, and the mental representation of prose. Finds that memory for meaning was better than memory for verbatim prose, though memory for both was high. (MM)

Participant observation was used to examine the social-communicative interactions of six preschool students with mild to severe handicaps, during free play and semistructured activities. Results revealed that each child displayed a consistent set of initiations; each child used augmentative strategies to continue interactions; and initiation…