Discusses measures of infants and toddlers developing vocabularies. Suggests that what is needed are norms derived from observations of typically-developing bilingual children, followed up by measures of concurrent and predictive validity. (Author/VWL)

Verbally describing places visited on a wilderness expedition in great detail, using poetic metaphors to add power, does more than improve descriptive skills. Speaking the place aloud deepens the experience by sharpening one's observational skills and adding an imaginative aspect that brings the place alive. Writing the observations in a journal…

Research published since 1980 on the uses of technology in special education is reviewed, including observational and naturalistic studies. The diversity of research in special education stems from the multiple roles of the special education teacher, who has many responsibilities beyond instruction. (SLD)

Presents an heuristic approach to qualitative educational research. Practical theories of research are viewed as personal. They need to be examined to gain a better understanding of the research self and to understand the perspective of others. Exercises designed to generate this understanding are thus a prerequisite for research. (MMU)

This study examined the representativeness of a time-sampling observational procedure to evaluate students with behavior disorders by examining error in samples of varying size in comparison to a criterion measure. Analyses of both single subject and multiple subject designs suggested that samples of 16 to 20 observational sessions of eight-minute…

Presents an embryology laboratory observing the development of Ginkgo biloba's embryos into trees. Explains the methodology for the lab and discusses research questions. (YDS)

This study examined issues in supporting middle school teachers to become more learner centered when implementing computer-based, workplace simulations in their classrooms. Focuses on a participant observation study of two teachers to develop and evolve a framework for professional development that included reflective skills and proximal goals.…

Discusses nature activities that teachers can use with young children to help develop the children's observation and processing skills. Teachers and students can examine weeds in the spring, observe and understand the role that insects play in nature, study the many colors and sizes of leaves in the fall, and find and analyze animal tracks in the…

Presents an activity, appropriate for children in grades five through nine, that requires students to reconstruct a Lego structure after reading other students' written description of the construction process. Highlights the connection between explicit writing and scientific observation and involves students in observing, classifying, measuring,…

Observation of two students from nondominant cultures demonstrated the role of social and visual learning in the classroom as children watched each other for direction. The need for appropriate visual cues and for structure was apparent. (SK)

Reviews the purposes of student teacher assessment, professional association standards, and assessment problems. Describes a process used at Central Missouri State University, which includes observations by supervisors and cooperating teachers, assessment of portfolios, videotaped lessons, and four on-campus seminars. (SK)

An ethnographic study compared content of a surgical nursing course developed by an individual with content determined through observation of practice. Most content was relevant to practice. However, sociology had a significant influence on practice but it was not addressed in curriculum. Ways to improve course development were recommended. (SK)

Describes the fundamental attitude of learning-from-the-child as integral to observation. Discusses how one learns what motivates each child through patience, humility, repeated experience, objectivity, and faith. Outlines some human tendencies, and challenges us to ensure these tendencies are answered within the Montessori environment. (JS)

Data from observations of cabinetmaking apprentices and masters were used to examine the structure of craft knowledge. Tacit transmission of knowledge and nonverbal modeling are the essence of apprenticeship, which is at odds with the current construction of skill learning as acquisition rather than transmission. (SK)

Examined relations between quality of mothers' and fathers' friendships and that of their children's friendships. Found that children's self-reports and observational measures of friendship quality were not highly correlated for girls, but were moderately associated for boys. Quality of mothers' and fathers' friendships related to quality of…