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…

Discusses assessment and evaluation instruments associated with the observation and analysis of communication within groups involved in simulations, games, and role play workshops. Interpersonal communication is described from three perspectives: (1) observer-based, (2) self-assessment, and (3) a combination of self- and colearner assessment. (21…

Proposes a program that uses the methods of participant observation to improve the experiences of student interns and integrate the internship programs into the liberal arts curriculum. The program includes a pre-internship methods course, a periodic log to be submitted by the student, and a final integration paper. (SLM)

Computer-assisted observational technology was applied to the measurement and analysis of social reciprocity for infants with severe disabilities and their parents. Discussed are: development of the behavior coding system, computer hardware and software requirements, and observer training and reliability. The interface between computer technology…

Explores Mexican-American immigrant entrepreneurial activity in the wholesale produce industry in Los Angeles (California). This activity exhibits the primary characteristics defined for immigrant enclaves, a specific mode of incorporation into the economic sector of the U.S. Describes hierarchical elements of Mexican entrepreneurship that…

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)

Describes a study that compared the effectiveness of screen designs for system interfaces by tallying keyboarding errors during online searches. The methodology is described as an unobtrusive means for obtaining objective and empirically based data for interface comparisons. A questionnaire used to determine users' reactions to screen designs is…

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)

Described are three programs ranging from short to long-term immersion in backcountry environments. Stresses that wilderness studies direct participants toward reconnecting culture with nature through advocacy and cultivation of the ecological self. (Author/CW)

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.…

The cognitive play of 12 mainstreamed mentally retarded preschool boys was examined during group free play at school and in an independent play situation at home. Children played more, played in a more sophisticated way, and developed longer and more complex sequenced play activities at home than at school. (Author/JDD)

Women and men characters on primetime TV were observed to determine the amount of distancing behavior enacted by them. Distancing behavior, which indicates discrimination, was demonstrated more frequently by men TV characters toward women than toward men. Women demonstrated equal behavior towards both sexes. Implications are discussed. (JS)

Observation of 18 three-year-old boys revealed that they reacted more positively to both of their parents when their play style was more physical and active, resembling the typical paternal style. (Author/BJV)

Nighttime seat belt use by patrons of 10 taverns in two Canadian cities increased following an intervention consisting of police enforcement and the use of signs and posters. Separate observations of daytime seat belt use noted an increase in one city and maintenance at a high level in the other. (JW)

Safety belt use with and without addition of an incentive strategy was observed among 8,635 drivers at a drive-through restaurant. During the promotional campaign, average rate of belt use tripled compared to baseline following the introduction of a contingent reward (a large soft drink), and declined during followup. (JW)