Social learning theory stresses the importance of observation and modeling. Processes that determine outcomes of observed behavior include attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation. For nursing education, the theory appropriately focuses on the social environment for learning. (Contains 35 references.) (SK)

Discusses questions such as how birds fly and the meaning of bird songs. Explains the relationship between birds and ecological activism and points out the excitement in research and observation of birds. (Contains 34 references.) (YDS)

This article focuses on observational assessment in student learning of mathematical concepts in two sixth grade classrooms. Many of the class activities involved algorithms and open-ended problems in which students worked in collaborative groups, pairs, or individually. (MM)

The process-observer method of group training was evaluated. Disruption of group content and process was found to be less with the use of a process observer than with an observer. Process observers found the experience useful for their development as group leaders. Results and future directions are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Reflects on how the modern naturalist, having a high regard for objectivity, deals with spiritual issues and emotional responses to environmental devastation; the role of field experience in a naturalist's judgments on politically sensitive environmental issues; the great time needed to acquire first-hand knowledge, such as that held by indigenous…

As a commentary on the Special Issue, this paper discusses recent advances in the study of change across several time scales. It points out the importance of specifying time scales and putative patterns of change when characterizing problem behavior over developmental time scales. Methods for studying risk and protective mechanisms through…

The phrase "nature of science" refers to the characteristics of scientific knowledge that necessarily result from the scientific investigations that scientists conduct to develop knowledge. Yet, these characteristics are assumed by many to be "difficult" to teach. Not so. Many important aspects of nature of science can be directly linked to…

A core assumption of the standard multiple regression model is independence of residuals, the violation of which results in biased standard errors and test statistics. The structural equation model (SEM) generalizes the regression model in several key ways, but the SEM also assumes independence of residuals. The multilevel model (MLM) was…

The manner in which Marco, one of the less proficient readers in his class, is profoundly influenced by opportunities to observe and interact with other readers and writers is discussed. Marco's story illustrates the importance of close observation of learners as teacher researchers come to understand young readers.

This article is based on participant observation, review of documents such as curriculum materials, and interviews with participants associated with Spotted Eagle Alternative High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The school was founded to combat the high dropout rate of American Indian students from mainstream secondary settings and offers a last…

The article examines "task" as research construct as predominantly conceived in terms of task-as-workplan in the task-based learning/second language acquisition literature. It is suggested that "task" has weak construct validity and ontology in an overwhelmingly quantitative paradigm because the construct has a "split personality."…

Using grounded theory methodology, I establish family identity management as an important type of invisible work that connects women's household-based domestic activities with community members perceptions and treatment of them and their family members. Detailed observations of household routines and family interactions, as well as in-depth…

Awareness of optimal behaviour states of children with profound intellectual disability has been reported in the literature as a potentially useful tool for planning intervention within this population. Some arguments have been raised, however, which question the reliability and validity of previously published work on behaviour state analysis.…

In order to enable students who are blind and visually impaired to observe chemical changes in solutions, a hand-held device was designed to output light intensity as an audible tone. The submersible audible light sensor (SALS) creates an audio signal by which one can observe reactions in a solution in real time, using standard laboratory…

A multi-informant study investigated the association between deception capacities and subtypes of aggression in a young early childhood sample (M=44.65 months of age, SD=13.39, N=64). A newly developed teacher report of deception had appropriate psychometric properties (reliability, concurrent validity, and construct validity). Recently introduced…