Describes the development of a nonparticipant observer role in research on youthful drug use. While dual functions of research and interventionist complemented each other, they presented personal role conflicts that had to be resolved. By assuming the role of nonparticipant in the deviant behavior itself, the researcher could avoid many dilemmas.…

Much of the responsibility for measuring teacher competency rests with teacher educators. Instead of developing new observation inventories, educators should use available ones. This article describes instruments used at the University of Toledo's competency-based teacher education program since 1979 and suggests they are broad enough to be used…

The effectance motivation of 624 sixth graders was assessed on the basis of two measures completed by teachers. Student were also observed for their choice of hard and easy problems after being informed of contingencies based on the correctness of solutions. (Author/CI)

The formative evaluation of an experimental French class is described; several common evaluative techniques and their specific findings for this class are discussed; and the use of the formative approach for evaluation of innovative second language instruction is supported. (MSE)

The potential of two-way television as an instructional medium was examined through observations of presentations by medical faculty. The study found that similar teaching strategies were used in conventional classrooms and in two-way television mediated lessons. Detailed study results are offered. (Author/DF)

The concept of instructional improvement is used as a framework to synthesize research concerning systematic observation of instruction. A self-help model for improving classroom instruction is proposed that illustrates the concepts of instructional effectiveness, systematic observation of instruction, and assistance as a personalized,…

Student teaching is considered the most important experience of a teacher preparation program. The supervisor of student teachers must possess excellent observation skills and be able to change behaviors. Suggestions for supervisors of physical education student teachers are offered. (DF)

The importance of family assessment in the evaluation of preschool-age children is addressed. Approaches to assessment that include individual, family system, and community contributions to problem behaviors of preschool children are discussed. Factors that influence family interactions are presented within a theoretical framework of reciprocal…

The mastery of the reasoning skills of observation, classification, serialization, and spatial relationships is not solely within the province of social studies but also falls heavily upon students' acquisition of concepts, skills, and operations in mathematics. Each of these skills, as they relate to social studies and math, is discussed. (RM)

Describes the basic method of using naturally occurring settings for research on media effects. Suggests research questions that could be studied and identifies settings (and media markets) most promising for such research. (PD)

Six third-grade subjects who were selected by peers' sociometric ratings, teacher rating, and observation of six social skills, received social skills training, and individual and group intervention. Ss' behavior were shaped in skill areas to approximate average peer rate, with resulting increase in sociometric ranking and teacher rating.…

Suggests various observations that can be made while at a zoo, including behavior of animals, adaptations to special environments, locomotion, food type, and physical characteristics. Provides a sample data sheet for animal observations, citing the usefulness of organized observation. (JM)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine the effectivenss of training teacher evaluators in lesson plan analysis, classroom observation techniques, and supervisory conference skills. (HOD)

A study to identify clinical procedures for which department chairpersons felt observational checklists would be useful is reported. A secondary purpose was to investigate aspects of the use of direct observation techniques for the assessment of clinical skills. (Author/MLW)

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Plan for Instructional Improvement requires principals to take part in several workshops and activities to learn how to analyze what goes on in the classroom. Principals then direct teacher inservice training by conducting staff meetings, small seminars, and classroom observation followed by teacher conferences. (MLF)