Much pedagogic research undertaken in geography and other disciplines relies on post-hoc methods such as surveys or interviews to investigate the student experience of higher education (often based on self-reports of behaviour). However, observation of students provides a far more direct route to obtain information about their behaviour, and there…

The paper describes the "Early Social Communication Scales" designed to assess social and communication skills typically acquired in the first 30 months of life. Stressed is the role of the tester as an interactive partner for the infant. Reliability data suggesting reliability over time with the same partner are presented. (Author/DB)

An observational technique for assessing the social interaction skills of elementary age students with disabilities is described. The procedure focuses on three interaction elements: (1) initiating the interaction, (2) turn taking, and (3) responding to the interaction. The method of data recording and analysis is delineated. (DB)

The Verbal Interaction Analysis System is presented as an assessment of initial, dyadic conversations. Application of the VIAS to two case studies featuring mildly to moderately intellectually disabled adults shows how the VIAS provides an index of competence and assists in the development of specific treatment strategies. (Author/JDD)

A procedure was developed for assessing interaction between parents and children enrolled in the Parent Education Program (PEP), an early intervention program for parents of hearing impaired children aged 3 years and younger. The PEP has used the videotape assessment procedure successfully for nearly 3 years. (SB)

The paper describes an observation instrument originally developed as a research tool to assess both the special setting and the regular classroom. The instrument can also be used in determining appropriate placement for students with learning disabilities and for programming the transfer of skills learned in the special setting to the regular…

Reviews some of the current approaches for assessing asynchronous interaction. Describes an approach to assessing the contributions of students to an asynchronous forum (WebBoard) based on social constructivist learning theory. Presents a taxonomy of computer mediated discourse organized by the Simmons levels of assessing reflective thinking. (AEF)

The Sims Image-Based Organizational Model (SIBOM) with reference to its use in evaluation of bilingual education programs is described. The technique elicits participant perceptions in metaphor-generating sessions. This is one step in a process whereby participants' perceptions can be organized to describe the system of problems and resources they…

Describes the development of a scheme for measuring instructional interactivity in multimedia/computer-based training materials. Identifies four categories of content-specific interactions: enriching, supportive, conveyance, and constructive, including the instructional value of each. Illustrates the shorthand action score and discusses extending…

This report describes a technique developed as part of the As Parents Grow Older (APGO) Project at the University of Michigan Institute of Gerontology which uses audiotape recordings in the analysis and evaluation of group intervention programs such as those designed to aid middle-aged adults in understanding and caring for their aging parents and…

Examines developments in early language intervention within a framework of general early special education and early intervention. Reviews models of language and communication intervention in terms of efficacy, parent/child interaction research, and parallels with early-intervention models. Offers guidelines based on the literature concerning…

The report describes a study which looked at two-way interactions among teachers and severely physically disabled and nondisabled children who were followed from kindergarten through first grade. Seven of the children had cerebral palsy and one a muscular disorders. Data collection included direct classroom observation on 74 days; interviews with…

The Timed Interval Categorical Observation Recorder (TICOR), a portable, battery powered microcomputer designed to automate the collection of sequential and simultaneous behavioral observations and their associated durations, was developed to overcome problems in gathering subtle interaction analysis data characterized by sequential flow of…

Presents the Verbal Interaction Analysis System (VIAS), a computer-based system designed to analyze verbal interactions, and describes application of the VIAS in analyzing family/professional interactions during the Individualized Family Service Plan process. The results of a pilot test of the VIAS found high interobserver reliability. (Author/CR)

This paper examines aspects related to the validity of process-product research involving classroom observation and teacher effectiveness. Differences in categories, terminology, and definitions of five classroom observation instruments are delineated and discussed in relation to their various effects on the validity of process-product research…