The focus here is on category observation instruments which typically record classroom behaviors in the form of tallies, checks, or other marks which code them into predefined categories and yield information about which behaviors occurred and how often they occurred during the period of observation. Discusses the essential properties of the…

Twenty-one variables from the Texas Teacher Effectiveness Project Coding System were factor analyzed for morning whole class data, afternoon whole class data, and reading group data. Resulting factor scores were correlated with achievement gains. Although significant correlations were few, differences existed between lower and higher social status…

Using five readily available classroom observation systems, three 50-minute videotapes of classroom interaction were rated for each of twelve social studies teachers. Comparisons yielded 23 categories that measured similar behaviors across systems, approximately half of which satisfied all validity tests. Implications for process-product studies…

This paper describes two experiments conducted to assess the impact of the need for effective control on attributions made in a conflict situation. Subjects were college students. (CM)

A way to enlarge the projected image of solar eclipse onto a viewing surface is presented. (MR)

Spatial distribution of activity in a second-third grade open classroom was observed before and after a change in the physical design, to test the hypothesis that minor changes in the physical setting would produce predictable, desirable changes in student behavior. In most cases the desired behavior changes were produced. (Author/MV)

Interest in babies was assessed for 32 children aged 8 to 9 years and 32 children aged 14 to 15 years. Data were collected by means of a 6-second time sampling of waiting room behaviors in the presence of a live baby and by reactions to pictures of babies versus other objects. (Author/JMB)

Two questions regarding supervision of student teachers are addressed here: who should supervise, and how can it be done most skillfully? Cooperating teachers might best be trained to supervise. Supervision techniques might include analyzing classroom events and the student teachers' anxieties and needs. A supervision model is developed. (CHK)

Rep. Pat Williams, the new chairman of the House Postsecondary Education Subcommittee, visits college campuses and observes what the problems are. A recent visit to Pennsylvania State is described in which he listened to students in the financial aid office, inspected research facilities, and talked with university administrators. (MLW)

Material comprising teachers' questions and pupils' responses was collected during ordinary lessons in order to gain an understanding of the linguistic interaction during lessons in the mother tongue. (Author/LMO)

Naturalistic observations of special education classrooms in a high school, together with teacher ratings of social acceptance, revealed four status positions within a learning handicapped group. Conformity to school expectations was inversely related to social standing, while behavioral dominance was directly related. Discusses individual and…

Reports the results of a survey of college students which examined their views on the value of online searching and the relevance of retrieved citations. Survey items, including subject searched, method of instructions, searching experience, database selected, and perceived relevance of citations, were cross-tabulated and examined for…

Presents a method for monitoring teacher questioning. Argues that observers can improve a teacher's questioning technique by noting the types of questions asked by the teacher, the distribution of questions among students, and which students ask and answer questions. (MM)

The effectiveness of using nonmedical personnel to evaluate medical students' performance on medical history-taking and physical examination was studied at Mercer University School of Medicine. Advantages in using nonphysician observers were that they were more available, economical, and attentive. (MLW)

This article explores concepts and strategies pertaining to systemic family assessment, enumerates the essential principles of systems theory, and discusses the purposes of family assessment in the context of children's school-related problems. An overview of assessment strategies is provided. (Author/LMO)