In time-on-task observations, the effects of variations in methodological characteristics on the importance of time-on-task for student achievement were examined. Substantive conclusions were affected by variations in five areas with the greatest differences due to changes in the duration and number of days of observation. (CM)

The appropriateness of several generalizability coefficients based on observational ratings of a number of subjects, each rated by the same observers over a number of motor performance trials, was examined. The extent to which observational designs can impair the computation of some coefficients and/or alter their value was also investigated.…

Interviews with 105 teachers and 14 administrators, supplemented by observation, provide data for a focused ethnography of the school as a workplace, specifically, of organizational characteristics conducive to continued "learning on the job." Findings suggest critical social organization variables that lend themselves to quantitative…

Discusses the direct instruction pattern, which is based on teacher-centered classroom organization, as a workable teaching style, especially among children of the lower class. Describes teacher behaviors involved in implementing this teaching style, and suggests the use of an observation instrument to monitor direct instruction behaviors.…

Based on data from over 1,000 elementary-secondary classrooms reported in "A Study of Schooling," the author finds little variety in teaching practices across schools. The majority of class time is spent in teachers lecturing to the class or in students working on written assignments. (Author/SK)

Examines elementary school teachers' perceptions of the nature and function of learning activities. Three specific questions were investigated: (1) What do teachers perceive as successful or unsuccessful learning activities? (2) What reasons do teachers give concerning why a learning activity is successful or unsuccessful? and (3) To what extent…

An observation code was found to discriminate reliably between correct and incorrect behavior modification skills of 12 parents of developmentally disabled children (two to six years old). Parents were more proficient teachers after a training program focusing on behavior change principles and language acquisition. (CL)

To determine the auditory acuity levels and responsiveness of seven deaf blind multihandicapped young children, the authors developed systematic observation procedures that can be used by parents, teachers, and teacher aides. The advantages of this approach and suggestions for further work are described. A case study is reported. (Author)

The antecedents of the methods and concerns of the Centre for Applied Research in Education (CARE) are found in the social observation tradition. A naturalistic method of research concentrates on the accurate reflection of events by an unobtrusive team. (JN)

The problem of obtaining reliable descriptions of classroom events is examined. Using sampling theory, the amount of classroom time to be sampled and observed to obtain precise descriptions is analyzed. Results suggest that previous studies of classrooms have used inadequate samples to estimate the behaviors of teachers and students. (JN)

Describes a play observation system and offers guidelines for using a recently developed play observation inventory. Two basic sociodramatic play training procedures are described which teachers can use to enhance the quality of children's play. (Author/RH)

Offers 22 characteristics of a good reading lesson and suggests that administrators keep four things in mind when observing a reading lesson: motivation, clarification, application, and satisfaction. (FL)

Reports further analysis of longitudinal records of mother-infant interaction at home during the infant's first year of life. Analysis was designed to clarify the role of maternal affectionate behavior in defining maternal patterns and in discriminating anxious/avoidant mothers from secure mothers and from anxious/resistant mothers. (Author/DB)

Observation is examined as a method of gathering information about the behavior of school administrators. Relevant literature on the methodology of observation in terms of the process of observation, recording and coding, and the role of the observer are considered. (MLW)

An observational study among 50 preschool children was conducted to assess the validity of experimental findings that at elementary-school age levels boys display greater mastery motivation than do girls. Generally, findings revealed that older preschoolers did, but younger preschoolers did not, show evidence of the sex effects found in previous…