Unobtrusive observations were made of 50 mother-child, 50 father-child, and 50 mother-father-child groups in an urban park playground in South Africa. The children ranged in age from one to five years. Each unit was observed for one four-minute sample. Results show similarity between father-child dyads and mother-father-child triads. (Author/BN)

Problems in studying teacher effectiveness through the use of classroom observation are discussed. Four assumptions in the observation of classroom process are offered and ways in which these assumptions can be dealt with in designing an observation study are suggested. (DF)

The Family Health Scale is an instrument designed to quantify the quality of psychiatrically labeled or nonlabeled family functioning from the perspective of an external clinical observer. Clinical judgment is exercised in rating, based on information available and ideally from a valid standardized method of direct observation. Discusses…

As instructional leader, the principal sets the tone for quality classroom instruction. Through designing effective observation instruments, conducting planning conferences, recording objective classroom observations, and providing constructive feedback, the principal can ensure that this goal is met. Includes one reference. (MLH)

Discusses the growing use by educational psychologists and teachers of developmental and academic behavior checklists. Identifies the minimum criteria necessary for checklists and criticizes their use as many fail to meet these standards. Describes the limitations, misuse, and narrow focus of behavior checklists. (GEA)

Investigated parameters of eating behavior in subjects with bulimia nervosa (BN). BN and female comparison (FC) subjects monitored hourly over several days their food intake, mood, hunger, social circumstances, and experiences of unpleasant events. BN subjects reported more positive moods prior to consuming a meal, and more negative moods prior to…

Shows how observation of a second-language classroom activity can be used to assess student, teacher, and materials performance. The classroom activity involves the key skills taught in the course and mirrors the overall methodological approach of the course. (Author/CB)

Addresses two empirical issues: (1) what are the observed characteristics of student question-asking? and (2) under what conditions do students exhibit questioning behavior? Reports the results of a study of question-asking in 27 classrooms and examines the conditions of student questioning which are related to student training, curriculum…

The recent national report on the quality of education in the United States has noted the need for effective methods of evaluating teaching performance. These evaluations are best done by administrators. The pros and cons of various approaches to evaluation are discussed. Includes five references. (Author/MD)

Interaction data from 96 married couples in which the husband was an alcoholic, depressive, or normal control were coded with Marital Interaction Coding System and subjected to multidimensional scaling, principle components analysis, and transitional probability analyses. Resulting solutions indicated several clusters common across methods and…

Describes a method used to acquaint art students with their painting subjects. The method requires students to study the subject closely and to make thumbnail sketches of details before they start to paint. Concludes that artists must observe their subjects closely to make the finished work believable. (GEA)

Freshmen and sophomore science education students (N=32) were observed to determine their performance (attentive responses) on four cognitive variables. One result found is that 44 percent of students used the fastest mode of short stimulation/short response time, but had the lowest mean score on the four cognitive variables. (JN)

Participant experience is a research method dialogically based on respect for the child. Researchers step inside the landscape of the child to share a life-form. Through an engaged body-presence they experience the atmosphere and meanings from within as they are perceived in a common horizon. (Author/LHW)

This article describes how a group of second graders improved their understanding of art by touring a photography exhibit. Included are three photographs and a sample of the tour guide's comments for each. (JDH)