This study, with 39 4-year-olds, found that children had better free recall accuracy and lowered suggestibility when they participated with a "babysitter" rather than observed a babysitter and child. Addition of forensic context (by a policeman prior to questioning) increased error in free recall but did not affect children's accuracy in…

Presents data from two studies determining the validity of various measures of physical activity in preschool children. One explored how certain measures of activity predicted observed behavior. The other examined the Caltrac motion sensor's predictive validity. Results indicate the Caltrac monitor is sensitive to children's individual differences…

Two priorities of a Colorado elementary school (increasing the quality of parent-school partnerships and modeling and building student self-esteem) led to the school's parent-observation process. An accountability team selected two parent-observers, who worked with the principal and two teachers to develop a training guide, an observation outline,…

Adults viewing a videotape of a basketball game were instructed to push a button each time the ball was passed. Adults without mental retardation performed better than those with mental retardation. When a woman carrying an open umbrella walked through the action, 15% of subjects without and 60% of subjects with mental retardation noticed her.…

Describes and evaluates the approach to observation of young children used in the PROCESS project in London, England. PROCESS observation uses broad categories, emphasizes cognitive processes, covers a wide range of contexts, involves partnerships with parents, and is intended to inform planning. Discusses observation materials, factors affecting…

Reviews two projects studying the nature of mental representations of space induced entirely by language. The first project investigates perspective in descriptions of large-scale (e.g., convention center, town) space. The second project investigates mental representations of objects located immediately around the body. (37 references) (KRN)

Reports, in French, an investigation on the use of graphic representations in problem-solving tasks of the type in Spanish Mathematical Olympiads. Analysis showed that the choice and interpretation of the first graphic representation played a decisive role in the discovery of the solution. (34 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes assessment strategies for individuals with disabilities: direct observation, sociometric measurements, attitude assessment instruments, probes, and expressive attitude assessment techniques. Suggests that the assessment strategy selected is dependent upon the aspect of attitudes to be examined. Suggests multimethod strategies based upon…

Presents three student exercises that demonstrate common perceptual errors described in social psychological literature: actor-observer effect, false consensus bias, and priming effects. Describes methods to be followed and gives terms, sentences, and a story to be used in the exercises. Suggests discussion of the bases and impact of such…

Discusses how teachers may videotape their own teaching as a method of self-evaluation. Offers ideas on questions to ask while viewing the tape. (SR)

Observation of nine subjects with mild intellectual disabilities working in competitive employment settings revealed that subjects' social networks lacked complexity, with few interconnections among the network modes. Major sources of social support emanated from the family and organizations catering to people with disabilities. Social support…

Principals may wonder how to evaluate teachers using student-centered, indirect teaching strategies with an assessment instrument geared to reward a more teacher-centered approach. This article offers some suggestions concerning the instructional cycle, classroom observation techniques, postobservation conferences, and the formal writeup. (MLH)

A principal need not be a musician to supervise a music program. Supervisory emphasis should be on elements of the musical process that can be taught, reinforced, and evaluated. At the core of the instructional program, there should be a method book, behavioral objectives, and a graded course of instruction. (MLH)

Argues that the use of nature literature in science, history, religion, geography, etc., classrooms can sharpen students' observation skills, help students learn to value the world around them, and introduce environmental issues such as man's threats to nature. Describes sample activities. (DMM)

Provides humorous look at the classroom from perspective of instructor. Focuses on test-taking behaviors of students, identifying 10 separate categories of test-takers: mysterious mystic, reliable rhythm master, antsy anguished, helpless header, persecuted pantomimer, equivocal eraser, pencil punctuator, conscientious chiropractor, miserable…