Argues that there are many sources of information about schools other than standardized tests and questionnaires, and stresses the value of careful, unobtrusive observations that are well focused and intelligently interpreted. Lists numerous unobtrusive criteria for possible use in evaluating students, school programs, and school personnel. (JG)

The theme of this paper is that the individual research worker is mistaken if he adopts a scaled-down version of the traditional forms of research style. Examines some forms of research counter to conventional styles. (Author/RK)

Computer-assisted direct behavioral observation is proposed to aid sensory integration therapy. This allows the occupational therapist to quantify data, devise and answer research questions, and assess progress. Advice is given on establishing a behavior taxonomy. Computer-assisted direct behavioral observation is examined and found valuable for…

A lag sequential analysis method was used to analyze observational data of regular classroom behaviors of learning disabled, seriously emotionally disturbed, and average elementary grade children. Teachers behaved differentially toward the handicapped children, interacting with them primarily when they were not on task. (Author/DB)

This essay proposes the use of assessment centers, designed to simulate real-life situations and identify managerial skills, as a possible solution to dilemmas of current administrative personnel selection practices in academic libraries. Background, setting up the assessment center, obtaining assessment expertise, and legal implications are…

Outlines a planning strategy for an early childhood developmental curriculum that provides for the education of children, and makes allowance for the values and goals of their teachers and parents. (BB)

The study observed 30 secondary vocational educators to gather data on the instructional environments of vocational education programs relevant to learning-disabled students. Data were collected on curricular content, curricular format, student behavior, teacher behavior, and teacher focus. Differences between exploratory and preparatory programs…

Participant observation of 118 teachers and interviews with 21 teachers examined teacher pupil control ideology in a residential school for the hearing impaired. Among three hypotheses supported was that deaf teachers held and were perceived by colleagues as holding more custodial views than their hearing colleagues. (Author/DB)

A model that integrates the systematic observation of student and teacher behaviors with an analysis of student achievement is presented. It assesses student learning and time use for a particular lesson and provides the instructor with immediate feedback that documents teaching effectiveness. (MLW)

A study of how 10 university supervisors conduct their observations of and conferences with student teachers is described. University supervisors and their attitudes are discussed, and their performance is studied. Methods and results of the study are given. (JL)

This study of 14 elementary school teaching triads focused on the problems inherent to student teaching programs. The study investigated cooperating teachers' attitudes about learning to teach, the classroom structures within which student teachers taught, and how these affected the role of the university supervisor. (JL)

Established local norms for the frequency of disruptive and unproductive classroom behaviors using a sample of 81 referred and 81 nonreferred elementary school students in grades kindergarten through five. For assessment purposes, frequency of behaviors (off task, talked out, out of seat, other behavior) was categorized by grade level. (Author/ABL)

Students with mild to moderate hearing losses have different communication needs from their normal-hearing peers, but if those needs are met the children can thrive in a mainstream setting. A certified teacher of hearing impaired students can provide professional advice by observing the mainstream classroom and consulting with the teacher. (VW)

If language research is to arrive at valid analyses of speech behavior, both observation and elicitation methods of data collection will have to be used as necessary complements to one another. The advantages and disadvantages of different research methods are discussed. (CB)

Examines teachers' beliefs and observed classroom behavior to discover if consistency exists between the two. Findings show that beliefs must be understood in terms of a clustering effect of beliefs in belief systems. Such findings can be used to understand teacher decision making processes and teaching strategies. (SA)