Collecting Evaluation Data: Observation
http://www1.uwex.edu/ces/pubs/pdf/G3658_5.PDF
This is an excellent discussion of the use of observation in an evaluation context.
Learning Record Online
http://lro.cwrl.utexas.edu/help/introduction.html
The Learning Record is primarily a document that enables teachers and students to observe a student's learning process over the course of a semester. It contains some brief but cogent discussions of observational methods as well as some sample observations in Appendix C that are very interesting and useful.
Data Collection
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
This is a nice web site discussing three relevant issues: using observations as alternatives to direct questioning, selecting data collection techniques, and using focus groups. The first section contains some interesting perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of using observations.
Qualitative Data Collection Methods
http://www.worldbank.org/poverty/impact/methods/qualita.htm
A discussion of in-depth interviews, observations, and document review as qualitative data collection techniques.
Qualitative Data
http://trochim.human.cornell.edu/kb/qualdata.htm
Trochim's web page discussing interviews, direct observation, and written documents.
Participant Observation
http://www.spinworks.demon.co.uk/pub/participant1.htm
A paper on participant observation which discusses the pros and cons of participant-involved studies.
