Describes 2 studies in which experienced and inexperienced preschool teachers were observed during children's free play periods. It was suggested that inexperienced teachers tend to go along with children's play perferences, while experienced teachers direct the children into activities they consider more important to academic success (i. e.,…

Results suggested that preschool age siblings may facilitate mastery of the object environment by infants. (Author/JMB)

While the principle of successive approximations (learning as a series of small steps) has its difficulties in application, it is an effective technique for improving teacher skills in observing student behavior and in changing that behavior. (MJB)

Students (233) in five Israeli high schools were tested to determine the relationship of IQ and achievement, attitudes, and manipulative and observational skills in chemistry. Students indicating a desire to pursue science study were found to differ signicantly their non-science oriented couterparts only on cognitive ability measures. (CP)

An apparatus is described which permits one experimenter to obtain high quality audio and video tape recordings of young children's behavior in cognitive-linguistic tasks while leaving the experimenter free to concentrate on working with the child. (GO)

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…