Discusses the realtionship between toddler behavior and quality child care, and compares the care given to 18-month-old children in home care and center care situations. (CM)

The theoretical perspective and naturalistic methods of ecological psychology developed by Roger Barker are described. Ecological assessment implies examining (1) naturally occurring behavior; (2) environment immediately surrounding behavior; and (3) the individual-environment link. The specimen record, chronolog, and behavior-setting survey are…

Suggests that naturalistic inquiry is a subset of empirical research that is highly appropriate to social science and reading research. Proposes that colleges offer opportunities for students to learn and participate in naturalistic research methods and that research journals promote and accept more naturalistic research. (MKM)

Describes an ethnographic research study of collective student activities that occur during instruction in basic subjects. Intensive observation was made of a first-grade and a fifth-grade classroom. Observations were recorded every day for five months. In addition, students were formally interviewed to get their interpretations of lessons. (SS)

The emphasis in this article is on the methodology used. (CM)

Different methods and instruments used to assess medical problem solving are discussed. Various features of the instruments are compared and suggestions for additional data are made, in order to ensure maximum efficiency in the choice of instruments. (Author/MH)

Describes a study, conducted at the University of Michigan, that used two different computer-assisted instruction approaches--a linear, tutor program and a simulated library reference situation--with library school students to test learning effectiveness. Report includes 21 data tables, an interview schedule, and sample instructional materials…

Discusses the importance of recognizing patterns in nature to help understand the interactions of living and non-living things. Cautions the student not to lose sight of the details when studying the big picture. Encourages development of the ability to identify local species. Suggest two activities to strengthen observation skills and to help in…

Observed use of culturally diverse and Euro-American books during freeplay and naptime in two daycare classrooms. Subjects were 35 children, ages 44 to 65 months, and their teachers. Results indicated that teachers and children used culturally conscious books less often than other types. Introducing these books during group time increased their…

Synthesizes findings from observational classroom research on corrective feedback and presents an observational study of patterns of error treatment n an adult English-as-a-Second-Language classroom. Examines the range and types of feedback used by the teacher and their relationship to learner uptake and immediate repair of error. (Author/VWL)

This article presents four strategies for identifying young gifted children: recognize the limits of testing; network with parents; consider new ways of thinking about and observing giftedness, including incorporating different learning styles in teaching; and use portfolios to collect actual samples of children's work. Advantages of portfolio…

Presents results from a study investigating the effects of professional training on teachers' use of observations to assess elementary students. Describes the training program and its focus on professional empowerment, strategy development for observation-based assessment, and learning the value of peer support. Reports that participants'…

Examines whether observers' perceptions of private lessons are affected by the type of teacher verbalizations used to make student performance corrections. Asks preservice music education teachers (n=50) to respond to a 10 statement questionnaire after viewing two videotaped private lessons. Finds no meaningful difference in subject responses…

Presents active learning strategies that utilize visual images, in particular photographs, to promote learning in geography. Explains that the six activities focus on Vietnam. Uses the photographs to encourage students to engage with the images to promote better observation skills. (CMK)