Progress is described on a new approach to improve man-machine communication in order to significantly expand and diversify the capabilities of the computer interfaces that people use. The objective is to design computer processes that can assimilate particular aspects of dialogue between people, then transfer the processes into man-machine…

The present study investigated differences between referred and nonreferred children and their families on the basis of home and clinic observations and parent questionnaires. Subjects were 28 families with children between 4 and 8 years of age who had been referred to a clinic for acting-out behavior and 28 nonreferred controls matched on several…

The present research was designed to answer two basic questions: (1) Do children who are referred for treatment of behavior problems in one setting also exhibit such behavioral problems in the others? (2) Does behavior modification in the primary setting have any systematic effect on children's behavior in the other (secondary) setting?…

This paper reports the problems involved in measuring the extent to which the practice in program sites matches model theory formulated in Head Start Planned Variation. The main focus in studying program implementation is the question of internal validity, whether the children in the HSPV programs actually receive the treatment being evaluated.…

Examined was the use of systematic observation techniques by cooperating teachers as a vehicle for improving the coordination of a secondary science teacher preparation program. This investigation involved 24 secondary science student teachers and their cooperating teachers. Self-instructional modules were used to instruct the cooperating teachers…

The failure of teachers to comprehend basic curriculum objectives and their unwillingness or inability to act in accordance with these objectives are severe impediments to the successful use of new materials, according to the authors. They discuss these impediments and conventional solutions as an introduction to their suggested approach: teacher…

The present Topic Classification System (TCS) developed out of a 7-year period of research and supplements an earlier system (Aschner, Gallagher, 1965). The purpose of the system is to indicate 1) level of conceptualization (data, concept, or generalization); 2) the style of thinking (activity, description, explanation, evaluation-justification,…

Sharp limitations on measuring the impact of Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) can be largely overcome by developing an improved system and techniques for planning projects and their likely effects. The distinguishing characteristics of VISTA for measurement purposes are: a large number of volunteer program activities and sponsors, hence…

A state system of about 20 demonstration centers was developed in Illinois to exhibit a variety of model programs for gifted children, ranging from kindergarten to high school. Subjects ranged from foreign language to dance and dramatics. Evaluation indicated low quality in too many centers. The centers performed best on the awareness function,…

A method for analyzing instructional techniques employed during reading group instruction is reported, and the characteristics of the effective reading teacher are discussed. Teaching effectiveness is divided into two categories: (1) how the teacher acts and interacts with children on a personal level and (2) how the teacher performs his…

This state-of-the-art paper and its accompanying 42-item annotated bibliography are on classroom observation systems in preparing school personnel. The paper is divided into four parts: (1) Introduction; (2) Description of Selected Classroom Observation Systems; (3) Use of Classroom Observation Systems in the Preparation of School Personnel; and…

The unreliability of first impressions and subjective judgments is the subject of both Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and Lionel Trilling's "Of This Time, Of That Place"; consequently, the works are worthwhile parallel studies for high school students. Austen, by means of irony and subtle characterization, dramatizes the…

In this study, which was designed to examine the relationships among teacher behavior, student behavior, and student achievement, the Southwestern Cooperative Educational Laboratory Interaction Observation Schedule (SCIOS) was developed. Using this instrument, pupil behaviors were isolated to assess the degree to which pupils (1) receive, (2)…

This instrument, developed and field-tested since February 1969, can be used to describe teacher behaviors during classroom teaching, planning, and evaluation and diagnosis. It is designed for use by a team of clinicians, the number depending on the purpose for which the instrument is used, e.g., to develop teacher descriptions for use in…

The purpose of this research project was to ascertain the medium (i.e., video tape, audio tape, or regular supervisory feedback) that had the greatest impact in changing the classroom interactive behavior of selected student teachers as measured by Flanders' interaction analysis categories. The study involved three matched groups of student…