In this study, twenty 3-day-old Caucasian neonates were observed before and during feeding in an attempt to demonstrate that individual characteristics of infants, such as alertness and social behaviors, are related to the interaction of mothers and infants during feeding situations. Ten of the infants were males, 10 were females; approximately 70…

A two page checklist was developed to assist educators in predicting the success or failure of children in open classrooms. The checklist was based on the results of a survey of ninety-one open classroom teachers who were asked to list the characteristics of successful and unsuccessful children in open classrooms. Content validity was established…

This paper reports a technique for classroom observation of children's activities considered relevant to the acquisition of reading. It is part of a larger study conducted by the University of Bristol called the "Children Learning to Read" Project, an attempt to study the learning experiences of individual children as they occur in a…

This study was designed to examine the reinforcing contingencies of parents toward specific child behaviors, and at the same time to try to determine if the sex of the child performing the behavior influences the reaction of the parent. A total of 24 white families with only one child between the ages of 20 and 24 months participated in the study.…

Discusses ways in which talk during writing and group discussion can help children's writing, including (1) helping teachers learn to listen, (2) teaching children to elaborate and clarify, (3) giving children experience with an audience and reasons for writing, (4) helping children gather ideas and assistance, and (5) teaching children to be…

Reports on an investigation into the behaviors and attitudes of visitors viewing a public exhibition about environmental problems concerning Madrid (Spain). Results indicated that the major variable related to the amount of time spent viewing specific photographs was related to the location of the photographs. (TW)

To increase the academic achievement levels of its students, the District of Columbia Public Schools adopted a teacher training model known as Academic Learning Time. A description of the training of observers and teacher trainers is included. (Author/DF)

Describes the Professional Improvement Commitment, a written agreement developed between teacher and evaluator/supervisor at the end of a supervision/evaluation cycle, designed to increase teacher effectiveness. (MM)

Reciprocal interactions between teachers and two groups of preschoolers (four autistic, four mildly developmentally delayed) were observed and recorded. Teachers or aides ignored most negative initiations. Although most neutral interactions (e.g., question-answer) were reciprocal, students (especially the autistic group) did not respond…

This study examined extent to which differential exposure to computer literacy found with lower socioeconomic students is also characteristic of instruction for learning handicapped children in special education and mainstreamed classrooms. Results are discussed in terms of impact of placement in special education on students' ability to develop…

Reexamines the traditional role of observation in science and science education. Proposes that since observation is based on some view of the world, it is not innocent and unbiased, but theory-dependent. Discusses possible implications for the science curriculum when reconsidering the role and status of observation in science. (TW)

This paper discusses steps and problems involved in self-evaluation of the teaching performances of language teacher trainees and suggests a procedure and a format based on the analysis of comments by participants completing their practice teaching. (Author/SED)

Describes ideas for making the best use of simple language processing interfaces in computer-based learning activities. These ideas are based on classroom observations of hearing-impaired, language-impaired, and unimpaired children using programs with a natural language interface which allows them to communicate with the computer about…

Evaluated the effects of an inservice education program on 47 elementary teachers in three Kansas school districts. Information pertaining to several research questions was collected by assessing demographic factors, teachers' knowledge of reading instruction, teachers' attitudes toward reading-related issues, teacher implementation of specific…

This study explored how elementary students employ help seeking as a means of problem solving in the classroom. In-depth naturalistic observations were made of high-, average-, and low-ability students in first, third, and fifth grade reading and math classes. Implications for children's achievement, learning, and social adjustment are discussed.…