Argues that the theory and practice of educational measurement would benefit from expanding the dialog among measurement professionals to include voices from different research traditions and from the communities researchers study and serve. The critical dialectic between naturalist and interpretive conceptions of social science is explored. (SLD)

Used behavioral genetic methods and environmental assessment techniques to assess maladaptive behavior in 6- to 11-year-old twin pairs. Found that genetic variation accounts for majority of variance in parent-reported child maladaptive behavior; in contrast, observational coding and global impressions of parent-twin interactive behavior suggest…

Conducted a textual analysis of Darwin's diary version of his observations of his oldest child and the published paper based on these observations to compare the degree to which Darwin identified himself in the two as detached observer or as embodied participant. Found that the embodied, relational vision evident in the diary version was absent…

Developed a strategy to assess two facets of cooperating teachers' (CTs') supervisory responsibilities: what they observed during lessons when preparing comments for student teachers and what they subsequently mentioned to students. Physical education CTs watched videotaped lessons, wrote critiques, and completed interviews. The strategy was a…

Identifies five dimensions of professional instructional competencies based on qualitative empirical studies (participant observation, interviews, and data analysis). Discusses the concept of a "professional self" in order to explain professional development. Emphasizes self-reflection and observation as the means for professional educators to…

Presents the results of an evaluation study analyzing the application of peer group supervision at seven German primary schools. Investigates whether participation in school-specific groups that had been introduced in the method of peer group supervision leads to changes in teachers' consulting behaviors. (CMK)

Discusses implementation effects of a program for training Dutch primary school principals in teacher coaching techniques. Results found a significant treatment effect for coaching skills concerned with developing autonomy (empowerment), feedback, and agreement on teacher-observation goals. Ratings from coached teachers valued coaching skills…

Discusses the validity and reliability of teacher observation in gifted child research. The benefits of teacher observation include an increase in professional authority and self-consciousness of teachers, an enrichment of the quality of relationships between teachers and parents of gifted students, and a revelation of the educational needs of…

Investigates the level of object mastery motivation between children with Down syndrome and children without disabilities of matched mental age. Reveals that participants from both groups displayed age-appropriate behavior when playing with toys, while those with disabilities interacted less than the comparison group with the effect-production and…

Examines the role of elementary teachers' identities as teachers and as learners on their teaching and learning practices. Uses teachers' literacy and mathematics stories as representations of their identities. Finds a common literacy identity across the 10 teachers in the study, but only three identities in mathematics within the group. (CMK)

Reports on research focusing on informal teaching strategies (modeling, coaching, networking, and continuous dialogue) that female pastors used in four rural Canadian Roman Catholic parishes where they led. Addresses factors that affected the pastors when choosing a teaching strategy. Considers the implications that surfaced for adult religious…

Data from the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and classroom observations of 22 secondary industrial and health occupations teachers found the majority to be extraverted-sensing-thinking-judging types. Only 41% were effective teachers. The sensing-intuitive type was the best predictor of teaching effectiveness. (SK)

Research using new direct observation procedures to analyze classroom social behavior of children with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) is reviewed. Research indicates teachers seldom provide praise or other forms of potential social reinforcement and that teachers may engage in behavior to escape or avoid social contact with these…

Focuses on the role of music in children's daily lives. Offers examples of children's experiences with music, based on observations of and discussions with children. Believes that teachers should let children's behaviors and needs shape music education programs. (CMK)

Focuses on how new students become positioned and position themselves as "professional pupils," or students who can conduct themselves competently without making mistakes or getting into conflict. Based on an ethnographic study of two secondary schools in Helsinki, Finland in 1994-95. (CMK)