Courses: Introductory Research Methods, Digital Cultures. Objectives: This activity introduces students to participant observation as a method for data collection. Through this activity, students will gain experience taking observational field notes. The debriefing discussion will allow students to practice using their observational notes as…

This article reports the results of a study of 25 second-grade students' conceptions of art. The study used a combination of participant observation, questionnaires, and interviews. Concludes that second graders generally like art and conceive of it as an activity, a place, and as an object. (JDH)

Describes a four-hour drama session, held one hour for each of four weeks, in which 15 girls and one boy ages six through eight participated with 17 college participant observers in a 1991 Children and Drama course, during which a drama teacher came to a "different" playmaking process, guiding children to direct their own dramas, without…

One way for physical educators to keep track of students' class behavior is to use Momentary Time Sampling (MTS), which enables teachers to assess their teaching effectiveness. The article explains how and why to use MTS, what to observe, appropriate student motor engagement, and on-task and off-task behavior. (SM)

This handbook was developed to give tutors of adult education information and ideas about assessing adult learning. It can be used as a reference for information about assessment and as a practical tool for tutors. Section 1, Introduction to Assessment in Adult Learning, includes information on these topics: what assessment is, how to assess, why…

A guide for creating case studies is provided for teacher educators to share with students. Suggestions are offered for becoming a participant observer in a classroom. The appendix contains sample appropriate and inappropriate field notes. (SM)

Describes a kit containing mathematical enrichment activities and activity evaluation sheets that kindergarten students can complete at home. Thirteen sample activities involving weather, pattern recognition, counting, money, estimation, observation skills, weight, temperature, measurement, and time are included. Suggestions for utilization, care,…