This review of classroom interventions for students with attention deficit disorders discusses attentional weaknesses, the use of observation and behavioral analysis to clarify issues that need to be addressed in intervention planning, and subsequent determination of the behavior management programs and academic strategies that will result in…

Describes the use of several organized distractions which force preservice science teachers to simultaneously teach and observe students. A variety of activities were developed to serve as additions to microteaching sessions in which the task is to "see" actions, not to redirect wayward students. (LZ)

A 1992 survey of 135 California principals identified key factors contributing to marginal teachers' performance: lack of motivation, burnout, and personal crises. Common symptoms of teacher marginality were persistent negative attitudes and classroom control problems. The most useful intervention strategies involved continuous classroom…

Discusses methodological issues arising from the evaluation of the impact of IT-assisted information systems on information-seeking and research in academia. Learning and use of information technology by academics was observed over time by using diaries, interviews, discussion, and observation. Results indicate that academic research is a complex…

This activity is more concerned with illustrating the process of scientific discovery than with astronomy. Students are involved in observing the Moon and noting the simultaneous location of the Sun. A manual with observation log and diagrams is provided. Requires no special equipment and takes a discovery learning approach. (LZ)

To establish baseline data on South African children's behavior, observed 80 children at home and interviewed the children's primary caregiver. Gathered data on patterns of interaction and language use, content of activity, and use of objects. Presents general biographical and behavioral data, notes gender differences, and compares this data to…

A case study assessing a psychogeriatric service in the United Kingdom is evaluated. The methodology, combining naturalistic and scientific approaches, was found to be useful in extending access to decision making and improving information, but it was expensive to support, requiring high commitment and willingness to compromise from all…

This article describes a computer-based system, the "Direct Observation Data System" (DODS), which allows for unobtrusive collection of direct observational data in the classroom and natural settings. At present, DODS consists of event-recording and duration-recording programs which can be remotely accessed. The device has implications for…

Observations of five-year-olds (n=6) about their understanding of base 10 and numbers greater than 20 showed that although these students did not have adequate skill in use of the base 10 number system to count by 10s, they did demonstrate concepts about big numbers. (21 references) (MKR)

Conducted an ethnography to evaluate the usefulness of the notion of community of practice in classroom settings. Documents how collectively available knowledge of a classroom community was transformed as resources and practices were adopted by more and more members. Discusses implications for the organization of classroom environments that…

Describes (and presents in an appendix) the Multidimensional Reading Instruction Observation Scale, a formative evaluative instrument to evaluate the quality of reading instruction by recording interactions between student and teacher regarding cognitive processes, affective processes, and management skills from three perspectives: teacher…

Reports results of a study of the ways in which undergraduate and graduate music majors evaluated the teaching methods of graduate associate music instructors. Reports that evaluators gave instructors high marks for characteristics including enthusiasm, interest in the student, and patience. Concludes that untrained evaluators can reliably analyze…

Describes results of an analysis of children's knowledge and use of social representations of gender. Reports that researchers observed four first-year primary school classes in England. Concludes that boys and girls possess similar knowledge of the relationship between gender marking of social category membership and material culture. (SG)

Observation of 10,213 interactions in 182 secondary vocational classes found that (1) males received more teacher interactions than did females; (2) female teacher interacted more with males; (3) male teachers criticized males more often, but used praise, acceptance, and remediation equitably; and (4) very little praise or criticism was evident…

An exploration of the interpretive potential semiotics offers for study and understanding of meaning production in science classrooms is presented. Some very basic concepts of the theory are introduced, followed by analysis of a single science lesson. The organization of the room, the structure of the lesson, and the behavior and interaction of…