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'…

Two college professors used peer observation to learn specific instructional techniques and content from each other's classrooms. Pre- and postobservation conferences, surveys of colleagues and other colleges and universities about peer observation and coaching, and reflective journals indicated the experience required great trust but was well…

This study used direct observation procedures to analyze communicative intent and subsequent frequency of turntaking between four adults with developmental disabilities and their residential staff. Results suggest that in group discourse, questioning-type speech may set the occasion for a greater number of subsequent conversational turns than does…

A total of 153 preschool children with disabilities were observed. Social interaction with peers and teachers, strategies employed in attempts to master tasks, and use of classroom time were recorded, using a modified time sampling procedure. Analysis indicated significant relationships between the children's classroom behavior and their degree of…

Identifies three categories of baby diaries--scientific, educational, and domestic--prevalent from the late 18th to late 19th century in Western Europe and the United States. Discusses the diarists and recurring themes in the diaries, such as the nature of instinctive behaviors and recapitulationism. Explores contemporary uses of the diary method.…

Comments on the article by Wallace and others in this issue. Discusses the history of diaries and diarists in child psychology and comments on modern diary studies. Examines some of the benefits and challenges of using diaries as a research method and suggests that old and new diary studies can contribute to the progress of contemporary…

Comments on the article by Wallace and others in this issue. Suggests that baby diarists kept records to clarify their own thinking rather than to contribute to a body of knowledge. Although noting the value of baby diaries, proposes a revival of similar methods that would enable researchers to address some of the fundamental issues in child…

Reports the results of a study that examined the patterns of interactions of high school student partners engaged in problem-solving activities while working through computer simulation activities in an astronomy lab. Observations, interviews with teachers and students, and a software program evaluation are discussed. (LRW)

Presents an activity integrating mathematics and science intended to introduce students to the use of metric measurement of mass as a way to increase the meaningfulness of observations about variables in life sciences. Involves measuring the nutrient tolerance of algae. Contains a reproducible algae nutrient graph. (Author/MKR)

Analyzes code-switched utterances in English-as-a-Second-Language classes in Sri Lanka. The study shows some useful functions code-switching serves for classroom management and transmission of lesson content. The negotiation of values, identities, and roles in the classroom prepares students for their sociolinguistic life outside. (24 references)…

Identifies and characterizes the knowledge used by 10 experienced librarians while searching for subject information in online catalogs. Metaknowledge is examined through participant explanations, observation, and self-evaluation; and implications for online catalog design and for library and information science education are suggested.…