Compares teaching observational research using a lecture format to using a software program called Courseware for Observational Research (COR). Finds that the COR-instructed class obtained a mean score of 78% on the examination, earned higher grades on the research reports, and rated the usefulness of conducting research more highly than the…

A study examined the effects of combining naturalistic teaching and peer-mediated tactics to address the developmental skills of 10 preschoolers with autism. Compared to naturalistic tactics only, the involvement of typical peers resulted in a substantial increase in the duration and rate of skills addressed during each teaching episode.…

Studies the reaction of English primary school teachers to an inspection by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED). Argues that trauma was produced by a clash between teachers' humanistic values and OFSTED's technicist values that teachers felt attacked their professionalism. Note strategies that teachers adopt to avoid repeated traumas.…

Describes the results of an ongoing peer observation project at two Washington-state schools (one primary and one high school). Pretesting and posttesting of teachers involved in peer observation indicated that teachers liked the feedback and felt more comfortable with peer rather than administrator observation. Participants considered this a good…

Naturalistic and traditional social science models were used to conduct a needs assessment in which 35 stakeholders were interviewed about their perceptions of the functioning of a crisis agency and the needs of the community and the agency. Concept mapping (multidimensional scaling and hierarchical analysis) was used to establish need categories…

This article describes an observational assessment procedure designed for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. The procedure is intended to link assessment with intervention by determining what supports and what compromises a child's performance, through a holistic team assessment involving a speech-language pathologist, motor specialist,…

Explores the use of ethnographic case studies and cultural novels as a way to observe a group of people in a school setting and then use that knowledge for administrative decision making. The theory and process of incorporating a "novels" project into a course for future school administrators are discussed. (SLD)

Analyzes videotapes of people using the Illinois Digital Library system during tests as well as transcripts and audiotapes from the sessions. Identifies how users learn to uncover new features and what assumptions they have about systems. What first appeared to be a random trial-and-error use of the interface was actually structured exploration…

Presents an evaluation of reference services at the University of Arizona Libraries that used a combination of surveys, focus groups, and unobtrusive observation worksheets with a small sample of students. It was found that, overall, students were very pleased with the reference desk. Needs for improvement and plans for action are summarized.…

Examines 10 early childhood services in South Australia, using a model of process-oriented quality. Presents results related to information strategies, communication processes, relationships between family and staff, participation in curriculum, and effectiveness of the model. Discusses staff role in achieving high quality. Asserts that the…

Presents information based on a yearlong study of character education in an elementary school that was implementing "Kids with Character." Offers an analysis of the responses by students, teachers, and parents about character, development of character, and the program. Indicates that contemporary character education programs are similar…

In China, classroom observation has acquired a bad reputation in the English-as-a-Second-Language profession. A project designed to change this negative image and promote observation as a powerful means of improving both teaching and teachers' self-development efforts is described. A British teacher and Chinese counterpart developed a partnership…

Explores the procedures that were used to assess student learning in a seventh-grade social studies class, with its instructional focus on drama, as the students studied ancient world history. Examines the meanings students constructed when learning social studies through drama. (CMK)

Examines classroom Assessment in the English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) school context. Using data from teacher interviews, classroom observations, video and audio recordings of learners, and lesson transcripts, traces different stages in the teacher assessment process and presents a working model for analysis of teacher decision making in…

The usefulness of lesson observation in in-service education and training in a developing country is examined. Research data from a three-year INSET programme in Namibia is adduced with the aim of contributing to the relevant literature on lesson observation in INSET. The aim is to use the data to begin to fill a gap in the INSET literature…