Used observations of 28 preschoolers and questionnaire responses of 286 parents to examine how Greek preschoolers express aggressiveness and altruism, respectively. Found that aggression was expressed in a variety of ways, with boys being more aggressive than girls. Parents reported that comforting and cooperating were observed more than sharing…

Multiple observer ratings of 424 families were obtained across 2 observational task situations using the Iowa Family Interaction Rating Scales. Observer ratings and family member reports were assessed simultaneously through structural equation modeling. Findings support the reliability of the global assessments of warm/supportive marital…

Research shows that adults respond primarily to positive reinforcement, want to be involved, and prefer to operate in a collegial environment. Traditional teacher evaluation violates many of these understandings. Fortunately, schools are beginning to experiment with observations and mentoring for beginning teachers and long-term…

Focuses on the struggle of American psychologists with the question of objectivity and the observer's role, notes Titchener's description of the dangers of subjectivity in observation, and describes the phenomenological approach to observation. Discusses the awareness of baby diarists of the potential problems with the method related to its…

Discusses authentic learning. Investigates semiotic activity in the play activities of 4- to 7-year-old children in Dutch primary schools. Suggests that with some assistance young children can be engaged meaningfully in semiotic activities during play. (CMK)

Examined the link between early childhood teacher beliefs measured through a self-report questionnaire and behaviors assessed with four observational measures via videotape. Found that there was no relationship between teachers' beliefs and actions. When teachers had more experience with children, they were less sensitive. Early childhood teaching…

Based on personal ethnographic experience of "becoming the phenomenon" of migrant laborer in Canada's postsecondary education system, critically examines three anthropological perspectives--the neoclassical, the historical structuralist, and the neo-Marxist--on labor migration. Argues that both migrant laborers and sessional lecturers…

Investigates the discriminant validity of test-session behaviors by comparing whether the observation of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHA) differed from those of unclassified children. Findings suggest that through one-to-one clinical assessments, standardized ratings of children's test behaviors provide useful…

Introduces a lesson plan that teaches students to become more observant. Explains that the students began with a contour drawing of a fire hydrant, folded it into four sections, and then rendered each section differently. Finds that the students also learned about artistic methods utilized in creating art. (CMK)

Infant imitation is considered a significant component of social, cognitive, and language development. Observation of 20 infants and their mothers in 2 naturalistic settings at 4 separate ages revealed dyads' imitation and matching in vocal, verbal and action behaviors. Verbal matching increased over the second year, suggesting relation of dyads'…

Reviews selected literature on child development about children's symbol use in performance of spatial and mathematical tasks. Describes the musical development of a child over a period of 16 months and shows how principles of symbol use from outside music can guide interpretations of children's symbol acquisition. (CMK)

Examined relationship between child care quality and engagement behavior of toddlers in 17 child care centers. Found that all but one contextual quality measure were associated with unsophisticated engagement. Only global classroom quality was related to sophisticated engagement. The percentage of toddlers engaged in activities was associated with…

This qualitative case study focused on the nature of science learning through open-ended problem solving with eighth graders. Discusses results of interviews and observation that suggested students only partially derived accurate mental models, and makes recommendations for improving student understanding in open-ended environments. (Contains 95…

Eight parents, 11 teachers, and two principals were interviewed regarding changes in children's reading as a result of participation in the Energy Express summer reading program. Parents noticed improvements in their children's reading, whereas teachers emphasized socialization gains. There were significant differences between school personnel's…

Describes how an instructor used portfolios to help graduate students in elementary and early childhood education class in Korea use personal reflection and classroom observation to develop individualized approach to instruction. (PKP)