Diary studies in language teaching are first-person case studies in which the diarist-researcher investigates his/her own language learning or teaching through by recording personal observations. A diary study of a teacher of English for Academic Purposes II is described, including data collection, procedures, and problems. (10 references) (LB)

Government and private agencies in Alberta, Canada, have voluntarily joined to establish the Alberta Disability Database, to bring statistical order out of the numerical chaos of disability data. This paper discusses the program's financing, confidentiality, definitions, access, archiving, consultation, and coordination. (JDD)

Advantages of direct observation are prominent in assessment of dietary intake by children, particularly those too young to recall diet accurately, and in situations in which self-report bias exists. The article describes the direct observation method (focusing on institutional settings) and reviews literature on the subject, noting methodological…

Literature review examined studies of validity and reliability of children's physical activity self-reports and measures based on others' reports of the child's activity. The study identified 18 self-report or proxy-report measures of children's physical activity with some data on their reliability or validity. (SM)

Reviews several mechanical and electronic techniques for monitoring physical activity in children. The paper focuses on motion sensors (Large Scale Integrated Sensor and Caltrac Accelerometer) and heart rate, and it presents recommendations for establishing general guidelines for appropriate use of such monitoring devices with children. (SM)

Summarizes health-related physical fitness measurement procedures for children, emphasizing field measures. Health-related physical fitness encompasses cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. The article presents several issues pertinent to research on health-related fitness testing. (SM)

The study analyzed 102 family members' and practitioners' opinions about expected early intervention outcomes for families of disabled individuals, and identified preferences for information gathering methods concerning family strengths and needs for Individualized Family Service Plans. (Author/PB)

Discusses how grocery shopping activities can help primary and intermediate grade students develop mathematics skills useful in real life. (BB)

Discusses the importance of systematically evaluating camp programs to provide the best possible experience to campers. Provides suggestions for evaluating staff, program, facilities, and administration in terms of objectives, outcomes, and standards. Discusses methods of evaluation and data collection. Stresses the significance of evaluation in…

Reviews a simple theory that describes the bounce of an air-filled ball and predicts that the contact time should be independent of the speed of impact. Presents experimental results that disagree with the theory and an alternative model that agrees with experimental results. (DDR)

Argues that program evaluation in the teaching of English-as-a- Second-Language is no longer such a well-circumscribed area of activity. Concludes that program evaluation should be systematic, principled, purposeful and context-specific; use the information collected to make balanced judgements; and embody recommendations for curriculum change.…

Presents a mathematical investigation focusing on measurement, data collection, and decision making in the context of mining for grades four and five. Encourages students to make their own decisions about collecting data and the methods most appropriately used for analysis. (ASK)

Two case studies illustrate the use of Level 1 research to monitor and improve the delivery of psychological services. The cases are of a 14-year-old with escalating disruptive behavior, including assault, and a 12-year-old with escalating nocturnal enuresis. The article urges research evaluating Level 1 research techniques and development of…

A principal who headed various Tasmanian schools observes the prevalence of micropolitics and describes the micropolitics involved in an assisted self-renewal process. Greater attention to fact through research and data collection, more intentional communication strategies, shared decision making, and greater understanding of micropolitics will…

Addresses two questions: (1) Why are there not more defensible studies proving that middle-level programs, practices, and policies work?; and (2) Does the middle school work? Argues that middle-level research is ahead of research in other levels during similar time frames and proposes a model to address the impact of middle schools. (SD)