Classroom observation has changed dramatically in recent years. Trivial checklists have given way to research-based rubrics that describe important aspects of teaching and, for each aspect, explain the difference between more and less effective practice. Instead of asking if the lesson objective was posted, these new instruments typically ask to…

This timely and accessible text introduces, theorises and practically applies two important concepts which now underpin early years practice: those of "playful learning" and "playful pedagogies". Pat Broadhead and Andy Burt draw upon filmed material, conversations with children, reflection, observation, and parental and staff interviews, in their…

Discusses instructional strategies that help students make and differentiate between observations and inferences, including the use of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation processes. Suggests that early activities focus on analytical procedures in such a way that they can be explained in terms of facts and principles that students will readily…

Fieldwork provides an opportunity to reinforce previous class-based learning and presents students with an opportunity to encounter new ideas and practice new skills. In the K-12 classroom, however, the rhetoric-reality gap between the declared need for fieldwork and doing fieldwork is striking. This project seeks to narrow the gap between…

The article discusses observing and quantifying as basic skills, presents a model for dealing with problems, and suggests seven activities which range from kindergarten to twelfth-grade level. (MK)

The ability to recognize and recall details about objects helps scientists figure out the answers to problems. Observational skills can be developed by sketching objects in detail. Rapid drawing can improve students' sense of important features and rapid memorization of clues about an object. (JDD)

The article explains the value to young children of skill development in the areas of observation, classification, communication, and measurement. It suggests specific science-related activities to help develop each skill. (SB)

A 1978 field test evaluated the 3-program "Collecting Information" cluster of ThinkAbout, a series of 60 15-minute instructional television programs for fifth and sixth graders designed to strengthen reasoning skills and to review and reinforce language arts, mathematics, and study skills. Conducted in 60 classrooms in Kansas City,…

Outlines three learning activities for elementary level comparative cultural studies, focusing on developing nations cultures. "School Artifacts Box" develops observation and inference skills. "Proverbs" directs students to compare/contrast African and Western proverbs. "Improvising Social Studies Media" suggests…

This comprehensive field test report describes a 1978 impact evaluation of the 3-program "Collecting Information" cluster of ThinkAbout, a series of 60 15-minute instructional television programs for fifth and sixth graders designed to strengthen reasoning skills and review and reinforce language arts, mathematics, and study skills. The…

Designed to develop creativity in young learners, this book contains interdisciplinary activities which focus on the theme of the moon. Activity pages are provided that can serve as front and back covers of a student booklet and the suggested activities can be duplicated for insertion between the covers resulting in a booklet for each student. A…

Describes a simple field trip taken by fourth-grade students to a local park. Aided by volunteers, students go through four learning stations dealing with rock studies, tree identification, following directions (mapping), and observation skills. Presite and postsite activities are discussed. (TW)