Theoretical conceptions of the value of social pretend play in the socialization process have focused on two potentially different mediating factors: play enactment and negotiation of the rules for play. In this study, observational measures of enactment were distinguished from negotiation so as to examine their independent and joint relations to…

A prototype low inference observation instrument to measure minimal teaching competencies of teaching candidates was deductively developed. Focus is on determining if observers could be trained to use the observation instrument with a high degree of reliability and validity. The instrument, entitled Classroom Observation and Assessment Scale for…

A study was designed to develop a comprehensive approach to observing teaching in early childhood settings. A systematic method of observing developmentally appropriate and inappropriate behaviors was sought. The result was a comprehensive model based on Gordon's (1968) conceptualization of instruction. The model proposes that presage variables,…

The manual describes the differences between low-inference observation and rating scales when evaluating teachers. Procedures for observing are set forth. The body of the manual defines and exemplifies the 115 items used on the observation instrument as well as the use of two other instruments used before and after the observation, i.e., the…

Classroom and playground behaviors of 95 integrated mildly intellectually handicapped and mildly disabled students were compared with those of 95 nonhandicapped, age- and sex-matched regular class students. All subjects attended state government primary schools and were between 8 and 13 years of age. Subjects' behavior was observed in the…

This article examines first discusses the three components of clinical supervision: (1) the planning conference; (2) the six steps of observation; and (3) the meeting with the teacher to analyze and interpret data as well as to reach decisions about alternatives, changes, and resolutions for future efforts by the teacher. Four approaches involving…

Techniques are proposed for informally assessing oral communication skills in learning disabled adolescents. A feedback sheet uses direct observation by the teacher while the self-rating scale uses an indirect form of observation by the student. Theoretical premises of the two measures are noted. The Communication Feedback Sheet is designed to…

The manual details an observational code designed to track a child during an entire day in a preschool setting. The Eco-Behavioral System for Complex Assessments of Preschool Environments (ESCAPE) encompasses assessment of the following three major categories of variables with their respective subcategories: (1) ecological variables (designated…

This paper describes a pilot project that investigated two key elements of the Teaching Skills Laboratory Network. The first of these was the use of a performance assessment instrument, and the second was the development of a teacher education database. In order to provide a contextual perspective, the discussion of these two items is prefaced by…

Current interest and controversy about the use of microcomputers with young children led to a study of 13 3- to 5-year-old girls and boys enrolled at the De Anza College Child Development Center in Cupertino, California. Designed to determine the effectiveness of the computer in enhancing language experiences and development of cooperative play…

QUILL, a set of microcomputer-based writing activities for students in grades two through twelve, is based on the recent research on the composing process. To help students become more experienced writers, QUILL includes two tools for writing: a planner, which helps students plan and organize their pieces, and a writer's assistant or text editor,…

Observations in a neighborhood day care center revealed that teachers, when they handed out a "paint shirt" without fastening it, set up a situation in which children helped one another. With modifications, this naturally occurring situation was used in order to increase the incidence of peer helping behavior so that it could be studied…

The relationship between cognitive style (field independence/field dependence), proctor/student interactions, and achievement of undergraduate students in a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) course was studied. Field dependence/independence was measured using the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT), which measures ability to identify a…

The purpose of this presentation is to describe the Classroom Process Scale (CPS) and its usefulness for the assessment of teaching effectiveness. The CPS attempts to ameliorate weaknesses in existing classroom process measures by including a coding of student involvement in learning, objectives being pursued, and methods used to pursue attainment…