This study, one of a series investigating dyadic infracommunication in natural, academic, and laboratory settings, utilizes a simple observation technique such as that employed by anthropologists living among members of a society or subcultural group, observing and recording their behavior patterns, including their communication modes. Subjects…

This paper discusses the use of process-oriented research in early childhood programs. Process analysis is contrasted with outcome-oriented evaluation, the latter seen as prevalent in current research practice. Four functions of process analysis are: to describe current teaching practices, to train teachers, to monitor instructional programs, and…

This paper investigates the potential relationship of Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to gesture and second language learning. It is asserted that the ZPD is both a tool and a result, not a tool for result; it is both product and process at the same time. The process of learning a new language/culture in the case of a person who is…

Describes the hierarchical values attached to languages in Botswana as reflected in an educational policy placing English in a prestigious position and marginalizing indigenous languages. The article argues that code switching to English during ritualized question-and-answer performances derives from conventions imposed during colonial rule. (24…

The author of an article (EC 614 674) on the interaction between mothers and their young children with language impairments reflects on how the topic became of interest to her and what was learned during the course of the study. The need to teach parents to use intervention strategies is emphasized. (CR)

Investigates the sincerity and validity of uptake as a measure of language learning by comparing the words students report they have learned after completing a listening task with the words they score correctly on a translation test. Results indicate that whereas uptake may have construct validity, its concurrent validity is uncertain. (16…

This research summary reports on a 4-month long study of 30 children, ages 10-13, who live at the elementary boarding school on the island of 'Ua Pou, Marquesas Island, French Polynesia. Of the sample of 15 boys and 15 girls, 20 of the children are from a single small valley. Follow-up studies also were done of the families of these children. The…

The nine readings in this monograph focus on ways to improve the social skills of students with emotional/behavioral disorders. The following readings are included: (1) "Analysis of Literature on Social Competence of Behaviorally Disordered Children and Youth" (Sarup R. Mathur and Robert B. Rutherford, Jr.); (2) "A Validation of Social Skills for…

The study described in this report examined the ways in which teachers prepare to teach using microcomputers. The participants in the study were four teachers who used computers in instruction, and who had been identified as outstanding by an educational foundation. They represented elementary special education, high school gifted education,…

This curriculum is for an intensive 5-day institute in team assessment of young children with disabilities. Each of the eight chapters includes text, training activities, and an annotated bibliography. Sample forms and evaluation guides are appended to relevant chapters. The introductory chapter presents an assessment philosophy and notes…

In cross-cultural negotiation, the participants must have prior training in what is culturally and linguistically appropriate in order to avoid serious misunderstandings and impasses. While negotiation is a common form of business interaction, there are cultural and linguistic patterns that are not always shared. Analysis of American English…

A teacher of child care courses at the college level implemented a practicum designed to encourage caregivers in five group day care settings to express a greater level of positive affect toward children. Training needs at the preschool centers were assessed and caregivers were videotaped as they carried out normal activities with their groups of…

This monograph reports on the establishment of a videotape data bank designed to record activities in physical education classes for analyzing and describing teacher and student behaviors. The process of obtaining approximately 80 tapes of elementary and high schools classes and of developing procedures for efficiently describing what was…

This report describes a two-year research project dealing with the relationship between parents and caregivers in group child care settings. The purposes of the research were to describe the nature of the interpersonal relationships, to identify variables predictive of interactions, and to examine the degree of congruence in child-rearing beliefs.…

The Utah Pupil/Teacher Self-Concept Program is designed to train teachers in the use of verbal behaviors that improve the self concept of students by replacing judgmental statements with positive descriptive messages. The program is based on a successful prototype used with elementary school teachers. Four individualized modules were developed to…