Behavior of direct care staff serving clients with mental retardation in 13 units of a large state-operated residential facility was observed. Results indicated that the activities of direct-care staff were influenced by the client's functioning level, the presence of professional staff, the location of the observation, and the resident- staff…

Discusses methods that may be applied to the evaluation of hypermedia, based on six models described by Lawton. Techniques described include observation, self-report measures, interviews, automated measures, psychometric tests, checklists and criterion-based techniques, process models, Experimentally Measuring Usability (EMU), and a naturalistic…

Female students in a graduate journalism program in Britain failed in a common attempt to counter sexist treatment during their training in this male-dominated profession resulting from the priorities of the school and demands of the program. (DM)

Examined differences in connectedness of instruction on equivalent algebraic expressions between an expert and two novice teachers by analyzing lesson plans, observations, and postlesson interviews. Only the expert teacher used both lesson and content connectedness to guide teaching. Differences in teachers' views and uses of connectedness are…

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)

Notes that the ecological perspective on observation of learning focuses on the processes of interaction while attempting to unravel them from the inside out. Concludes that this approach requires a new look at basic assumptions about its role in the construction of theory and practice, i.e., evidence of learning will require new ways to document…

This naturalistic study examined the classroom collaborative play activities of nine preschoolers with hearing impairments and language delays, but without sign-language skills. Findings indicated the children constructed collaborative play episodes which incorporated role, action, and object transformations using a nonverbal metacommunication…

Ethnographic fieldwork is advocated as two ways for student affairs educators to enhance practice. Recent fieldwork and published ethnographic texts about college students are used to illustrate three benefits: (1) access to students' experience and culture; (2) access to student and campus culture; (3) enhance practice through informed…

Observations of and interviews with eight at-risk students in technology education over 6 months indicated that they performed well in technology education, did less well in other subjects, and preferred hands-on learning. Five of eight said they would have dropped out if unable to enroll in technology education. (SK)

Used observations of 28 preschoolers and questionnaire responses of 286 parents to examine how Greek preschoolers express aggressiveness and altruism, respectively. Found that aggression was expressed in a variety of ways, with boys being more aggressive than girls. Parents reported that comforting and cooperating were observed more than sharing…

Multiple observer ratings of 424 families were obtained across 2 observational task situations using the Iowa Family Interaction Rating Scales. Observer ratings and family member reports were assessed simultaneously through structural equation modeling. Findings support the reliability of the global assessments of warm/supportive marital…

Research shows that adults respond primarily to positive reinforcement, want to be involved, and prefer to operate in a collegial environment. Traditional teacher evaluation violates many of these understandings. Fortunately, schools are beginning to experiment with observations and mentoring for beginning teachers and long-term…

Focuses on the struggle of American psychologists with the question of objectivity and the observer's role, notes Titchener's description of the dangers of subjectivity in observation, and describes the phenomenological approach to observation. Discusses the awareness of baby diarists of the potential problems with the method related to its…

Discusses authentic learning. Investigates semiotic activity in the play activities of 4- to 7-year-old children in Dutch primary schools. Suggests that with some assistance young children can be engaged meaningfully in semiotic activities during play. (CMK)

Examined the link between early childhood teacher beliefs measured through a self-report questionnaire and behaviors assessed with four observational measures via videotape. Found that there was no relationship between teachers' beliefs and actions. When teachers had more experience with children, they were less sensitive. Early childhood teaching…