Presents four articles on the use of observation as an assessment tool in early childhood education. Covers advantages of observation versus testing, finding opportunities to observe, record keeping, sharing with parents and staff, use of observations in curriculum planning and improvement, and use of observations in supporting children's play.…

Argues that valid evaluation of reference services should involve triangulation, that is, the systematic use of a variety of carefully chosen research methods. The use of triangulation in conjunction with several qualitative research methods is described and guidelines to the implementation of a qualitative research project are provided. (27…

The use of an observational assessment instrument designed for autistic children is described. The Behavior Rating Instrument for Autistic and other Atypical Children (BRIAAC) measures behavior in eight developmental areas: relationship to an adult, communication, drive for mastery, vocalization and expressive speech, sound and speech reception,…

This paper addresses the special problems in assessment of pupils who are congenitally or prelingually deafblind and who may have other disabilities, and argues that nonintrusive instruments and procedures are the assessment tools of choice. It contends that not enough attention has been given to developing, validating, and applying assessment…

The observation manual provides a system for the naturalistic observation of interactions between the preschool child and the caregiver. It can be used in research with the preschool aged child and the parent or teacher in home, laboratory, or school settings. The behavior categories included are applicable for collecting frequency data or…

The use of a qualitative technique, the evaluator's journal, is proposed for supplementing quantitative methods of program evaluation. The journal's functions are described as a data storage instrument, biography of the program, and source of feedback. Five types, or approaches, illustrate its capability for accommodating unique needs. (GK)

Focusing on the development of systematic observation procedures, this document provides guidance in choosing methods to assess the development of children within an early childhood program. The document discusses how to use observation data to guide decisions about curriculum and teaching, provide feedback on educational and developmental…

This article provides an overview of some of the recent developments in assessing social skills of children, as well as best practices in conducting assessment and linking assessment to effective intervention. Naturalistic behavioral observation and behavior rating scales are proposed as first-line choices for social skills assessment. (Contains…

Some of the procedures and processes of naturalistic research are introduced. These include (1) determining the need for the study, (2) designing it, (3) doing fieldwork, (4) analyzing evidence, and (5) writing a report. (CH)

This field guide provides guidance to beginners on how to look for clues to animal activities; remember bird songs; attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to the backyard; develop the skills needed to identify wildflowers; look for distinctive field marks on wildlife; keep an accurate journal of outdoor discoveries; and make on-the-spot…

This book provides guidance for using nature journaling as a way to explore nature. Nature journaling involves the recording of observations, perceptions, and feelings regarding the natural world. This book targets all ages and develops a broad understanding of nature. Contents include: (1) "Discovering Nature Journaling"; (2)…

Discusses nature activities that teachers can use with young children to help develop the children's observation and processing skills. Teachers and students can examine weeds in the spring, observe and understand the role that insects play in nature, study the many colors and sizes of leaves in the fall, and find and analyze animal tracks in the…

Ethnographic research (1) observes human behavior in its natural setting over a substantial period of time, (2) claims that classes of events are better understood through intensive examination of carefully selected particular cases, (3) incorporates as many of the complexities and variables into a setting as possible, and (4) is usually comprised…

This article discusses the increased emphasis on providing early intervention services within natural environments and how to maximize natural learning opportunities by using everyday activities that children experience and embedding intervention in daily routines. Guidelines for deciding the frequency of services, changing services, and the level…

This book provides an inside look at an extraordinary teacher, Linda Rief--specifically, how she converses with students and promotes their conversations among one another. The book offers insights into Linda's teaching that even she had not seen. It presents an inside look at Linda Rief in action as she establishes goals, teaches, triumphs, and…