The effects of observing a model and of providing a response rule on the learning, transfer, and retention of a dial-reading, numerical concept were studied in 144 third-graders. Different experimenters conducted the immediate learning procedures versus the measurements of retention. No extrinsic reinforcers were promised or dispensed. The…

A well-planned early experience program of short duration can do much to compensate for a lack of previous experience with vocational agriculture. (Editor/HD)

Live microwave broadcasts from two special education and six regular elementary classrooms are disseminated nationally via satellite, providing a special observation laboratory experience available to teacher preparation institutions. Observation theory is merged with effective teaching research in an instructional model that has demonstrated…

Provides some teaching tips for elementary teachers that are designed to enhance the natural interests of young children in science and help equip them with important science processing skills. Contains activities related to observation, classification, measurement, and communication. (TW)

Discusses what museums offer science teachers, including a visual extension of textbooks, educational experiences to hone observational skills, and special supplementary services including field museum courses, materials loan, museum libraries, and research departments. Specific instructional goals teachers should prepare before museum trips are…

A study examining the effectiveness of a farm safety resource that employed toys and props presented the resource to 79 primary schoolchildren from 3 schools in New South Wales (Australia). Children's recall was assessed at posttests of 1, 14, and 28 days. Children exposed to the resource recalled more hazards than did control-group children.…

Four curricular formats were examined for teaching employment-related interpersonal skills to 122 secondary students with mild retardation. Compared were the instructional effects of teacher or videotape modeling, behavior rehearsal, and problem-solving. The combination of videotape modeling and problem-solving was most effective in student…

Discussed is the 1986 NAEP data on understanding and using basic science facts. Suggests using observing, measuring, and hypothesis testing as supplements to traditional instructional methods. The use of this technique is urged for Black, Hispanic, and female students to compensate for the lack of outside experiences noted in the NAEP findings.…

Discusses environmental education, noting that teachers' science backgrounds are not nearly as important as their showing interest in children's experiences and discoveries, respect for environment, and encouragement of close observation of the world. Suggests that to help children understand and appreciate nature, teachers can focus on having…

This study investigated the differential effects of three laboratory experiences on preservice teachers' knowledge of specific teaching behaviors and ability to observe and report teacher behaviors. Results indicated knowledge of teaching behavior was significantly higher for the live telecast observation group than for the interactive video…

Observes a 9-year-old third-grade student at home and at school. Reveals the disparity between Laura's highly contextualized knowledge of science and the school science curriculum. States that teachers do not value Laura's strong observational and analytical proclivities and that both she and her teachers think of Laura as an academic failure. (SR)

Offers a guide to self-observation for instructors who want to improve their own teaching but do not know how to identify the changes they need or want to make. Offers practical suggestions on course planning and class preparation, effective communication, questioning and responding, and assessment and evaluation. Provides a method of observing…

This study compared effects of two variations of the constant-time-delay (CTD) procedure on the observational learning of content area vocabulary by seven primary grade students with learning disabilities in a small group instructional setting. Both conditions (every student writes all words or only target student writes) were equally effective…

This study of two groups of four children (ages 6-9) with learning disabilities evaluated the effects of two contingencies (independent and interdependent) on the learning of students with learning and behavioral disabilities when conducted in small groups with constant time delay. Measures were collected on the rapidity with which children…

This report describes how knowledge and skills learned in the Tavistock "Observation" course were applied to psychodynamic focused consultancy in England's Open University. Questions raised include the therapeutic and educational impact institutions may have on staff. The report explains how the Observational Course was important in…