A curriculum activity was initiated to provide preservice teachers with a personal knowledge base of active research procedures through the use of class-related activities. A research component was included in a required preservice class in assessment. Following the principles of scaffolding theory, students who had studied the elements of research were provided the opportunity to apply their knowledge through actual research experiences. Students received an introduction to behavioral research and then more specific information regarding the use of and actual practice with event recording and time sampling techniques. Cohorts in the class who received training separately then used examples of each technique to observe the class and review the results with the class. All students then independently gathered observational data in non-classroom settings and discussed their results in class. Followup surveys of the students indicated satisfaction with this method of teaching research techniques, and students indicated more self-confidence as they gained more experience in the observer role. (Contains 14 references.) (JLS)