The problem of obtaining reliable descriptions of classroom events is examined. Using sampling theory, the amount of classroom time to be sampled and observed to obtain precise descriptions is analyzed. Results suggest that previous studies of classrooms have used inadequate samples to estimate the behaviors of teachers and students. (JN)

Describes a play observation system and offers guidelines for using a recently developed play observation inventory. Two basic sociodramatic play training procedures are described which teachers can use to enhance the quality of children's play. (Author/RH)

Offers 22 characteristics of a good reading lesson and suggests that administrators keep four things in mind when observing a reading lesson: motivation, clarification, application, and satisfaction. (FL)

Reports further analysis of longitudinal records of mother-infant interaction at home during the infant's first year of life. Analysis was designed to clarify the role of maternal affectionate behavior in defining maternal patterns and in discriminating anxious/avoidant mothers from secure mothers and from anxious/resistant mothers. (Author/DB)

Observation is examined as a method of gathering information about the behavior of school administrators. Relevant literature on the methodology of observation in terms of the process of observation, recording and coding, and the role of the observer are considered. (MLW)

An observational study among 50 preschool children was conducted to assess the validity of experimental findings that at elementary-school age levels boys display greater mastery motivation than do girls. Generally, findings revealed that older preschoolers did, but younger preschoolers did not, show evidence of the sex effects found in previous…

Suggests ways that teachers can collect data from their classrooms and asserts that classroom research that involves a conscious, deliberate attempt to observe, reflect, explain, and evaluate will lead to further insights into instructional practice and changes in that practice. (HOD)

The article defines and describes coping and stress, their relationship to learning, and how they are assessed for educational planning for preschool handicapped children. The Coping Inventory, an observation assessment instrument, is used to show how the teaching and learning of coping behavior can be part of each child's educational plan.…

Examined the reliability of spouses as observers of the behaviors that occur in their own marital relationships. Distressed and nondistressed couples collected data in the home. Across the entire checklist, nondistressed couples exhibited significantly greater consensus than did distressed couples, based on both percentage agreement and kappa.…

Reports two investigations of the effects of rater's race (Black v White) on observed interactions across Black and White families. (CM)

Two groups of 5-7-year-old behaviorally disturbed boys, involved in a group therapy program, were observed on several occasions near the beginning and near the end of the program in order to determine if there were changes in selected aspects of group structure and social behavior. (MP)

Emphasizes that consideration of students' reading attitudes is an essential part of reading assessment. Discusses different ways of conceptualizing reading attitudes that teachers might find helpful and makes suggestions on how teachers can actually measure the attitudes of their students. (AEA)

The report summarizes the observations of five State Implementation Grant directors for the first two years of the State Implementation Grant (SIG) program (a program designed to develop a statewide network of services for young handicapped children and to assist states in the implementation of Early Childhood State Plans). (PHR)

American Association of Mental Deficiency Adaptive Behavior Scale ratings from 17 mildly and 17 moderately mentally retarded clients and from staff reports were compared with independent behavioral observations. Ratings of mildly mentally retarded adult clients had approximately the same relationship to independent behavioral assessment as did…

Offers categories, such as management of class time and use of practice and play, which can be used in observing the instructional performance of physical education teachers. A rating form is included. (SJL)