Eight nursery staff were observed for four months and their behavior monitored on a time-sampling basis. Particular focus was put on behavior likely to foster cognitive growth in educationally disadvantaged preschoolers. Results are presented for staff activities. Discussion focuses on the optimal amount of "structure" in nursery…

Observation of second graders' task orientation in the classroom was found to be a reliable means of predicting achievement test performance. (Editor)

Describes a study correlating observational test question scores and lab notebook evaluations. Results indicate that, while there is no correlation between those two factors, there are problems with evaluating notebooks objectively. (MA)

To determine the point at which successive days of classroom observation results in a reliable sample of behavior, a classroom of 30 kindergarten children was observed over a period of 18 days in four behavior categories. High correlations between running and total averages were obtained around the fourth day. (Author)

Focuses on the relationship between flow experiences and language learning. Flow theory suggests that flow experiences can lead to optimal learning. Findings suggest flow does exist in the foreign language classroom and that flow theory offers an interesting and useful framework for conceptualizing and evaluating language learning activities.…

Barbados secondary school teachers (31 with bachelor's degrees in English or science, 38 who also had teacher training diplomas) were observed teaching. There were only small differences in instructional organization and development and subject-matter presentation between those who had been trained as teachers and those who had not, regardless of…

This article shows how teachers can implement behavioral observation and assessment using a structured rubric narrative log format to understand a student's problem behaviors and find ways to encourage more positive behavior. Advantages of narrative observations for functional behavioral assessments are specified and include exploring one's own…

Reviews cooperative learning theory, listing areas of improvement for both disabled and regular students. Explains how cooperative learning can be used to help mainstream students into social studies classes and gives guidelines for implementation. Points out that success depends on teachers' planning, implementation, and correct evaluation. (GG)

Compares teachers' estimates of spontaneous language with direct observations of performance of developmentally delayed preschool children in classroom situations. Teachers tended to be more accurate in their estimation of children with higher spontaneous language frequencies and to underestimate the frequency of spontaneous language in other…

This instructional module presents and illustrates rules for designing performance assessments in a step-by-step strategy through: (1) reason for the assessment; (2) type of performance evaluated; (3) exercises to elicit performance; and (4) systematic rating procedures. Guidelines for maximizing reliability, validity, and economy are presented.…

Findings from a study involving 8 physical education teachers and 48 secondary students indicate that the teachers allocated less than one half of the available lesson time for student participation with the learning tasks. In addition, the rate of successful performance experienced by high, average, and low achievers differed significantly. (IAH)

Trained observers conducted direct observations of Thai and American children's school behavior and obtained teacher reports on the same children. Observers reported twice as much problem behavior and off-task behavior in American children as in their Thai age-mates, contradicting some earlier studies. Findings support the value of direct behavior…

Nine comprehensive observations were conducted of 24 preschoolers (8 with disabilities) in free play settings, with social behavior categories based on the work of Strain. Comparison of partial and complete observational records demonstrated that at least five observations were required to represent the children's social behavior adequately.…

Examines observation as a process of systematic, intentional action, exploring strategies for observing within the classroom. Implications for the practice of educational evaluation, particularly teacher performance evaluation, are noted. Observation as a process of systematic, intentional action becomes embedded within a larger agenda aimed at…

Presents three types of peer coaching as a staff development approach for physical educators that is usable at all levels on an individual, school, or districtwide basis. Peer coaching helps teachers feel less isolated, use educational practices effectively, use educational reflection positively, and develop professional collegiality. (SM)