A 1-year naturalistic study examined the differences and similarities in the literacy experiences of second grade at-risk children in 2 different types of classrooms: 1 traditional and 1 whole language classroom. The purpose was to develop models of the 2 contrasted classrooms. The study sought to shed light on the probable causes accounting for…

Science is viewed as a neglected subject in many U.S. elementary schools. Many elementary school teachers feel unqualified and uncomfortable when asked to teach it. A study looked at a teacher who is enthusiastic about teaching science at the elementary school level. The constraints the teacher faced and ways in she dealt with them in her teaching…

Results of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) Student Observation Scale (SOS), a measure of classroom behavior, were correlated with results of the BASC Teacher Rating Scale (TRS). Two classroom observations were made of each of 30 students (21 males and 9 females) aged 5 to 11 years. Teachers of those students completed the TRS.…

The use of classroom observation is explored in several capacities. Specific observation instruments that were developed to evaluate the effectiveness of the National Follow Through Program were later used (sometimes in adapted forms) to study early childhood programs, secondary school programs, student teacher effectiveness; and use of time…

A year-long study in 1991 that aimed to develop self-assessment skills in one third-grade class in Australia is reported. The roles that the length and naturalistic features of the study played in the success of skill development are explored. The class contained 20 students, ages 8-9 years, present for the whole school year (four 11-week terms).…

The report evaluates "Hablar et Parler," a videodisc project that provides Spanish and French language training to elementary school age students under the supervision of a teacher who may or may not have a foreign language background. The project, which was developed by the Utah Videodisc Consortium, consists of a videodisc, a teacher's…

This paper presents the initial findings from an ethnographic case study, focusing on the mixed-method research strategy used in the MacArthur Comprehensive Child Development Project Follow-up Study. The aim of the study was to expand the understanding of children's developmental trajectories as they traverse the elementary school years.…

This study was designed as an effort to understand how student-directed small-group discussions can further student thinking about issues related to social studies. The study utilized participant observation to collect data two to three times weekly as students engaged in a literature-based reading program called Book Club. The specific questions…

This study of 119 preschool programs in 5 states was designed to describe the classroom experiences of economically or educationally disadvantaged 4-year-old children and to examine linkages between characteristics of early childhood programs and the activities of the children and teachers in the classroom. Chapters 1 and 2 describe the context…

This list contains 95 instruments designed to record or analyze behaviors of teachers and students as they interact in the classroom, including teacher-student and student-student interactions. Several of the tests measure overall social skills of the individual. Preschool grades through higher education are covered. This document is one in a…

This qualitative study used questionnaires, interviews, and observations to assess what having children with disabilities means to three families. The disabilities include severe mental retardation and seizure disorder, Down syndrome, and neurofibromatosis. Interview data were categorized into the following five areas: the children,…

Action research is a way to examine purposes and practices in teaching. One way of conducting action research is to engage in participant observation, which may be seen as a systematic attempt to discover the knowledge that a group of people has learned and is using to organize the group's behavior. Participant observation has a great deal of…

Each fall, the Department of Natural Sciences at Calhoun Community College (CCC) integrates a field trip to the Great Smoky Mountains into two of its biology courses. Two preliminary class meetings culminate in a 4-day visit to the park. A fee is charged to cover accommodations, breakfast each day, two picnic lunches, and transportation. Course…

In 1989, the Hawaii State Department of Education initiated a study of the practices of successful kindergarten teachers involved in the Early Provisions for School Success (EPSS) program. Seven teachers identified as having a large percentage of students with language needs who progressed to the non-needs category were recruited from seven school…

Barriers to the implementation of technology-based materials in elementary school mathematics classrooms were studied using naturalistic inquiry and multiple methods of data collection in keeping with ethnographic principles. Qualitative data were gathered from interviews with teachers and administrators, reviews of school documents, observations…