Normal children, aged 3-8, were observed during free play with anatomical dolls under three conditions: with an adult present, without an adult, and with the dolls undressed. In contrast to clinical observation of abused children, the doll play of the normal children was not characterized by aggression or sexual concerns. (Author/JDD)

Suggests that a collaborative relationship between a clinical supervisor and a reading teacher can improve the teacher's effectiveness through a preobservation conference and identification of problems, classroom observation, and a post-observation conference. (JC)

Explores the relationship between teaching and socialization through a case study report of the classrooms of three junior-high science teachers. Provides a brief characterization of socialization and the substance of science teaching and discusses the factors which appear to be relevant to these characterizations. (ML)

Describes several hands-on science activities which focus on the use of apples. Suggests several ways of using apples to teach classification. Proposes a field trip to an orchard as a culminating activity. (TW)

Members of two unstructured small groups, participants in one and observers in the other, rated all interventions by the trainer for contribution to their learning. Participants and observers had a similar learning profile. Differences between the learning of participants and observers were found for clusters of interventions emphasizing trainer's…

This article presents a system for organizing observations on the art performance of special education children. Included are samples of three data collection charts. Stresses using such data in prescribing appropriate instruction. (JDH)

Classroom observation techniques and needs assessment strategies can be used to evaluate gifted program inservice and staff development for teachers. Inservice program length, quality, and type can be evaluated through use of pre and post inservice observation, comparison of inservice participants with nonparticipants, and assessment of changes in…

Outlines specific steps for implementing and validating a qualitative methodology designed to evaluate rural areas' special education programs serving students with severe special needs. Provides a rationale for use of the elements of aesthetic criticism as the basis of the methodology and discusses practical limitations and usefulness of the…

This article describes procedures to be followed in developing a system for observation of teachers in the classroom and use of the observation to evaluate teachers. A list of criteria is presented, including various types of validity, measurement characteristics, and practicality characteristics for observation systems. (Author/LMO)

Based on data gathered in a participant observation project that focused on young children's behaviors during school structured literacy tasks, a study examined the relationship between learning to write and learning to perform school writing tasks. (HOD)

Describes an instructional experiment aimed at helping sixth-graders sustain reflective thought processes in composition independently. Instruction included modeling of thinking aloud, clue use stimulating self-questioning, and direct strategy instruction emphasizing dialectical synthesis of conflicting ideas. Results indicate gains were made at…

This study examined classroom behavior of 393 pupils in 26 educable mentally retarded classrooms in regard to differential effects of having approximately 12, 15, and 19 pupils per classroom. Several effects were found in attention and communication, but relatively few were found in disruptive behavior. (Author/BS)

Explores specific classroom language used by students for whom English is a second language. (HOD)

Describes a study conducted to determine training needed by teachers and upper elementary children to operate videodisc player and remote control unit, assess appropriateness of an experimental videodisc, and determine teachers' and children's attitudes. Also describes an observational study of four classes using the videodisc in a laboratory…

Describes a video monitoring technique for detailed analysis of student use of computer-based learning programs which produces a synchronized record of computer output and student use; a study concerned with developing computer-based learning programs in chemistry which utilizes the technique; and advantages and disadvantages of the technique.…