This study assessed the validity of the Children's Physical Activity Form, an observational instrument which measures the intensity of children's physical activity, by comparing observer judgments of subjects' (N=40) activity intensity level with min-by-min heart rate values. Results document the validity of the instrument for observing physical…

A qualitative observational study of standardized group testing in 10 kindergartens revealed variations in testing conditions, discrepancies from standardized administration procedures, and variations in children's behavior that contributed to difficulties in maintaining a uniform testing process. High-stakes group testing in kindergarten should…

This article reports on the effects of a training program on teacher behavior, student achievement, and student attitudes toward mathematics. Results suggest that the timing of the training affected student achievement. No effect on student attitude was determined. Participants were 32 eighth grade Dutch mathematics teachers. (IAH)

This field study suggests that preschoolers' social play should be viewed as a developmentally expanding repertoire of skills and that the performance of the skills is a function of the expectations of the preschool environment (school philosophy and practice). Subjects were 54 Canadian preschoolers, aged 4 and 5. (IAH)

Observations and interviews with six young adults having moderate and severe mental disabilities, as well as with their employers, parents, residential service providers, and teachers, were conducted to determine their degree of satisfaction with their jobs in integrated workplaces. Certain consistent behaviors were identified that indicated job…

Naturalistic observation procedures examined the use of time by 230 elementary students with disabilities in four special education placements--regular class, resource room, special class, and special school. The least restrictive alternatives, particularly the resource room, made more in-class learning time available. (Author/DB)

Findings from a study indicate that cooperating teachers in physical education can improve their supervisory function through training in a behavioral model of supervision. The self-instructional training package has three performance objectives: monitoring, conferencing, and follow-up monitoring. Emphasis is on improved feedback to, and…

Subjects were first, third and fifth graders of high, low, and average status who were observed during recess. Results suggested the need for additional consideration of contextual factors for a more complete understanding of the entry process. Prior findings from laboratory analogue research appeared to replicate in naturalistic conditions. (RH)

Crying is more common in children with handicaps than in their nonhandicapped age-peers. This paper reviews literature on the prolonged, frequent, or intense crying of handicapped babies; describes environmental considerations; outlines techniques for providing comfort; indicates observational and data-collection strategies; and suggests coping…

Describes the concluding activity of a cultural geography course in which students went on a field trip to Venice (Italy) during spring vacation. Emphasizes the representation in relations between land and life, using the metaphor of theatre to conceptualize these relations. (GG)

Explores how written text emerges from classrooms and wider socio-cultural contexts by examining writing in art, English, biology, sociology, history, and geography classes in a London secondary school. Asserts that writing is a mode of inquiry embracing a variety of language transactions as students make meaning of their world. (MM)

Two techniques to integrate critical thinking into management internships include having students keep daily journals describing the organization's strengths and weaknesses; and requiring four analytic papers about the organization, written from the perspectives of management, customers, workers, and the student himself. (MSE)

Examines the role of classroom-based research in relation to Montessori's thoughts about scientific pedagogy. Presents three models of on-site evaluation of pedagogical effectiveness that can be carried out by classroom teachers who work with children every day. (BB)

This discussion of authentic assessment stresses that such assessment should be contextual (based on the context of meaning), collaborative (involves learners), and constructive (supports risk-taking). It compares tools designed for formative assessment including criteria checklists, "kidwatching," profiles, conferences, and portfolios. (DB)

Described coparenting processes in two-parent families raising firstborn toddler boys (n=69). Developmental analysis indicated that the mean frequency of total events and supportive exchanges remained unchanged from 15 months to 21 months, whereas unsupportive interactions decreased and mixed events increased. Individual differences in mothers'…