This monograph comprises five papers presented at a symposium whose primary purpose was to discuss the role of direct observational techniques in the study of certain learning outcomes and of certain learning and instruction process variables in school settings. Each study represents an attempt to apply direct observational techniques to the investigation of the instructional-learning processes and to use the observational data for evaluating and documenting a wide range of learning outcomes....
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavior, Classroom Observation Techniques, Conferences, Learning, Learning Processes
This teacher evaluation checklist with accompanying manual was designed for use in Hartford, Connecticut, public schools to provide a means of teacher self-evaluation and to provide principals and other designated administrators criteria for objective observations and comment on the quality of teaching activity. (The "Instrument for the Improvement of Instruction" is a refinement of a similar document developed by the Cupertino California School System in collaboration with San Jose...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Check Lists, Classroom Observation Techniques, Teacher Behavior, Teacher Evaluation
This two-part paper offers some guidelines for training in observation skills. Part one describes nine guidelines for observers. Part two delineates 10 tasks in observing and identifies ways of accomplishing them. Tasks include identifying goals of the learning task; gaining evidence of teacher's planning; determining student motivation level; assessing teacher's strategies; determining student interest, morale, commitment; determining the degree to which learning activities are based on...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Guidelines, Observation, Task Analysis, McKenna,...
This article capsules six recent research reports on the nature of teaching as observed in the classroom. The reports--by principal investigators Bellack, Jackson, Waimon, Perkins, Smith, and Taba--focus on meaning and classroom language (THE LANGUAGE OF THE CLASSROOM: MEANINGS COMMUNICATED IN HIGH SCHOOL TEACHING), patterns of teacher-pupil communication ("Teacher-Pupil Communication in the Elementary Classroom: An Observational Study"), observation as teacher training ("A...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Classroom Research, Teaching, Kliebard, Herbert M.
This study deals with the following topics: (1) the extent to which three different learning environment instruments and their underlying conceptual framework are empirically related, and (2) the extent to which intensive observation of classrooms aids in the interpretation of instruments' characterizations of a class. In the first part of the study, three instruments measuring student perceptions of psychological aspects of classroom learning environments were administered to 233 high school...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Environment, Classroom Observation Techniques, Learning, Measurement...
The Profile of Interaction in the Classroom (PIC) is a feedback method of interaction analysis, based on the Flanders System, created for supervisors of pre-service and in-service teacher education. The Micro-PIC is an abbreviated simplified form for analysis of shorter periods of interaction, particularly in microteaching. The Micro-PIC compresses the first three Flanders categories into one, and also combines categories six and seven. Each category is tallied in a separate column, using the...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Interaction Process Analysis, Measurement...
The Profile of Interaction in the Classroom (PIC) is a short-cut method of interaction analysis that can provide the quick feedback essential to effective supervision of instruction. And because the PIC contains a record of all the behaviors that occurred in the classroom, as well as the sequence, the data may be used to build a traditional matrix. The PIC employs the ten categories and the 3-second rhythm of the Flanders System, but instead of using numbers, the PIC uses a tally mark for all...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Interaction Process Analysis, Measurement...
A study concerned with identifying sources of interrater variation in ratings posed the following questions: Are ratings decomposable into a single nonerror component with interrater variations representing individual error components, or is a better fit to the data provided by multiple nonerror components representing generalized rating styles? And if multiple rating styles are found, what are their characteristics? Rated events were 10-minute segments from videotapes of high school classes in...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Evaluative Thinking, Statistical Analysis, Rummery,...
The problem of this study was to determine whether Method A is a more efficient observational method for obtaining activity type behaviors in an individualized classroom than Method B. Method A requires the observer to record the activities of the entire class at given intervals while Method B requires only the activities of selected individuals to be recorded. The overall plan consisted of collecting a cumulative every 30-second 20-day cumulative criterion to which each method was compared to...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Individualized Instruction, Individualized...
This document contains papers from a variety of sources related to the topic of teacher evaluation. Following a brief introduction, chapter two provides a definition of evaluation. Chapter three outlines some current problems in appraisal and suggests a new approach. Chapter four contains four models of appraisal procedure: classroom observations, rating scales, the Redfern Model, and the Battelle Self Appraisal Instrument. Chapter five is a review of research on teacher appraisal and teaching...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Evaluation Criteria, Evaluation Methods, Self...
Research approaches to studying classroom behavior management are reviewed. Examples of four types of research approaches (interaction analysis, ecological research, applied behavior analysis, and process-product correlational research are cited. Findings regarding immediate variables (positive attention for appropriate behavior, back-up reinforcers, intervention for inappropriate behavior, classroom rules, and teacher awareness) are presented, along with findings about more long-term variables...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavior Problems, Classroom Observation Techniques, Classroom Techniques, Elementary...
This project formed small seminar groups of behavioral scientists and educators to study the sociology of the classroom. The groups observed classrooms in elementary schools, high schools, and universities in Montana. Library research and discussion were other methods of investigation used. It was concluded that the classroom is part of society's basic complex organizations and is influenced by its bureaucratic setting. In return, classroom activity tends to set certain professionalizing forces...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Classroom Research, Seminars, Sociology, Teacher...
A study was designed to determine whether the presence or absence of a classroom observer and the prior knowledge or lack of knowledge that an observation was to occur would affect the verbal behavior of teachers as measured by the Flanders System of Interaction Analysis. The variables were dichotomized yielding a 2 x 2 x 2 experimental design which allowed observation (through an electronic monitoring system) of two groups of four elementary school teachers (high and low manifest anxiety)...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Educational Researchers, Reliability, Teacher...
This study was designed to test the hypothesis that a measure of students' influence relative to teachers' influence is needed in the classroom. The Hit-Steer system, designed by Thibaut, Coules, and Robinson to reveal the patterns of teacher and pupil influence as expressed classroom interaction, was used to observe teachers and students in a) 14 seventh-grade classrooms and eight alternative high school classrooms in a suburban community and b) 30 seventh-grade classrooms in eight inner-city...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Perception, Student Teacher Relationship, Teacher...
A scheme of student cognitive growth is suggested by a combination of Piaget's developmental stages and Bruner's imagery-related stages: the concrete level, for which imagery is not necessary; the concrete-imagery level, with imagery for enrichment of the concrete; the representational level, for which imagery is needed to make the translation to the concrete; and the abstract-imagery and abstract levels, for which language can be substituted for the concrete. The teacher can deal with students...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Cognitive Development, Imagery, Teacher Behavior,...
Neither teachers nor students have been instructed in the meaning of non-verbal communication. Several assumptions are presented regarding the nature of non-verbal communication. It has been difficult to do research and reporting in this field due to difficulty in data collection, the complexity of human communication, analization difficulty, inadequate measures of reliability and validity, and absence of useful categories. Recently, researchers and educators are investigating how non-verbal...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Communication, Classroom Observation Techniques, Interaction Process...
Capacity is a real and pressing challenge for educators tasked with implementing robust evaluation systems that include multiple measures of performance. In response to questions from the field, the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders has gathered emerging strategies from policymakers and practitioners who are grappling with capacity challenges in teacher evaluation. In this "Ask the Team," Ellen Cushing offers strategies and examples to consider as readers work to address their...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Teacher Evaluation, Capacity Building, Classroom Observation Techniques, Educational...
The author contends that the openness of a program can be determined by the opportunities which are provided for certain behaviors, activities, and events to occur. Even though the specific content of the open education programs may vary, the degrees of freedom for behaving or the relative presence of opportunity for diverse involvement do not. The paper describes procedures and research undertaken to measure this facet of openness by means of a program structure index and a specific version of...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Educational Research, Measurement Instruments, Open...
This system for describing teaching events is intended to facilitate the analysis of classroom observations for purposes of comparing, documenting, or evaluating different instructional techniques. The typology is designed to describe a wide range of settings and teaching styles. The descriptors are organized into two groups that simultaneously depict two levels of events. Higher order events, such as tasks and lessons, are characterized in terms of the language content targeted for...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classification, Classroom Communication, Classroom Observation Techniques, Classroom...
The author presents a process of developing individual observation designs, with the primary objectives of (l) initiating continual self-reflection upon teaching experiences using individual perceptions of what is important; and (2) establishing an open system of articulation and interaction between observing in classrooms and establishing for one's self a set of criteria with which to examine educational activities. The long range goal in formulating an observational design is described as the...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Educational Philosophy, Observation, Supervisory...
This bibliography lists and annotates 39 books, articles, reports, and manuals--published and unpublished. Citation dates range from 1943-1969, most of them since 1969. (JS)
Topics: ERIC Archive, Annotated Bibliographies, Classroom Observation Techniques, Teacher Education,...
The manual describes procedures and techniques required for the collection of academic survival skill data (data on the classroom behavior of students and the teacher or peer responses to that behavior). The observer is provided with guidelines to assure smooth data collection through proper equipment functioning and the maintenance of good relations with school personnel. Outlined are procedures for arriving at and checking into a school, entering the classroom, conduct during an observation,...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Guidelines, Interaction Process Analysis,...
This guide is directed toward the needs of supervising teachers and focuses on the role of the cooperating teacher. Part one, "Getting Ready for the Student Teacher," discusses conducting the initial student teacher visit and preparing for the student teacher's arrival by preparing the class, making notes for early conferences, considering the parents, studying the student teacher's background, and collecting materials. Part two, "Developing Competence in Planning and...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Cooperating Teachers, Student Evaluation, Student...
In this webinar, Dr. Drew Gitomer, professor at Rutgers University, shared results from recent studies of classroom observations that helped participants understand both general findings about the qualities of classroom interactions and also the challenges to carrying out valid and reliable observations. This Q&A addressed the questions participants had for Dr. Gitomer following the webinar. The webinar recording and PowerPoint presentation are also available.
Topics: ERIC Archive, Teacher Effectiveness, Teacher Role, Teacher Student Relationship, Observation,...
The final report presents progress of a project investigating compliance and noncompliance among severely handicapped students. Details are reported for each of the project's three years: from initial conceptualization of compliance and noncompliance, to training on the Microprocessor Operated Recording Equipment (MORE), to studies on the effects of various interventions (including precision teaching) on noncompliant behavior. Results of a study on the effects of structured programs concluded...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavior Patterns, Classroom Observation Techniques, Elementary Secondary Education,...
The classroom experiences of children in two model preschool programs were compared using an observational technique which was developed for a study of Head Start classrooms. The main objective of the study was to determine if the observational scale could discriminate between two programs of widely differing philosophy. The second goal of the study was to determine the number of independent dimensions which differentiated the two programs. Univariate analyses of variance showed that the...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Comparative Analysis, Preschool Education, Research...
This literature review addresses the technical adequacy of time sampling observation systems, which is fundamental to ensuring the generalizability of data obtained from behavioral observation. Investigations comparing partial interval, whole interval, and momentary time sampling have yielded consistent results. These suggest that duration of behavior is underestimated by whole interval sampling, overestimated by partial interval sampling, and on average accurately estimated by momentary time...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavioral Science Research, Classroom Observation Techniques, Elementary Secondary...
The use of the intraclass correlation in determining reliability is discussed and shown to be both appropriate and simple to use in the case of an observational measure, provided that observations are made on at least two occasions. The interpretation of such coefficients is explained in terms of generalizability theory, and real data are used to demonstrate how such coefficients can be interpreted and computed. Finally, an empirical study is described which investigates the effect on...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavior, Classroom Observation Techniques, Correlation, Evaluation Methods,...
The purpose of this study was to observe and describe the teaching behavior and interaction patterns of four elementary school physical education teachers longitudinally. Each teacher was observed twice a day (AM and PM) for a period of 20 consecutive days, resulting in 40 observations per subject. The following conclusions were reached: (1) teaching behavior and interaction patterns vary minimally over 20 days; (2) traditional, nonhumanistic teaching styles prevailed in the movement classes...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Interaction Process Analysis, Physical Education,...
The object of this study was to validate a technique for establishing inter-rater reliability on the Southwestern Cooperative Interaction Observation Schedule (SCIOS), where it was impractical to bring the observers to a common site. Reliability was originally obtained when eight observers met together. Observers were divided into four pairs. A video tape of a typical classroom scene was transported to each of the pairs in four cities. All observers viewed the same tape within a one-week...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Interaction Process Analysis, Reliability,...
This report describes a naturalistic observational study concerned with the functions of aggression in children and how they change with age. Background on aggression is provided through a discussion of the problems of definition and ontogenesis, which have led to a general shortage of relevant developmental data. This study involved 102 children, 64 between the ages of 4 and 6, and 38 between 6 and 8. They were involved in six groups operating under a common program philosophy. Each aggressive...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Aggression, Classroom Observation Techniques, Personality Development, Social...
In an attempt to devise protocols for the microteaching of university teachers, an experiment was undertaken using 15 subjects in four training sessions. Attitudes of lecturers to training were used as the dependent variable. Independent variables were the feedback medium (CCTV and audio) and the type of feedback (low and high structure). The feedback type relates to systematic observation to describe and analyse lecturing. This high structure technique was used in opposition to the normal...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Audiotape Recordings, Classroom Observation Techniques, Closed Circuit Television,...
This paper describes an approach to teacher evaluation intended to establish a meaningful link between classroom observations and teacher development. In this approach, observations are always announced. They last for the duration of the teaching hour and constitute one link in a three-part observation cycle. The pre-observation session with the teacher is intended to negotiate the observation focus and decide upon a data gathering method. The observation is intended to compile data about the...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Elementary Secondary Education, Faculty...
The report describes a model used to evaluate gifted programs. The model is said to rely on three sources of data: (1) structured narrative observation (the Gifted Class Activities Observation Scale); (2) teacher interviews; and (3) pupil interviews. (Sample forms appended.) The application of theory with this procedure resulted in an evaluation model featuring input (identification process, cognitive student growth, levels of thinking, classroom conditions, and attitude toward program) and...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Elementary Secondary Education, Evaluation Methods,...
Helfrich addresses two perspectives from which to think about observation in the classroom: that of the teacher observing her classroom, her group, and its needs, and that of the outside observer coming into the classroom. Offering advice from her own experience, she encourages and defends both. Do not be afraid of the disruption of outside visitors, she tells us, for "Children are the most adaptive, flexible, go with the moment creatures I know. They love having observers because it...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Observation, Montessori Method, Montessori Schools, Classroom Observation Techniques,...
Simply presenting information that displays clearly any discrepancy between a teacher's ideal and actual classroom performance does not, in itself, promise constructive change. This is true in part because teachers confronted with such discrepancies often experience anxiety. Teachers who wish to change often find it difficult to behave differently in the classroom for a variety of reasons. This paper discusses some psychological reactions that can be expected by teachers when they are...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Anxiety, Classroom Observation Techniques, Psychological Patterns, Teacher...
This paper illustrates how behavioral models which embody a critical language can be used to describe and predict some categories of classroom events. It defines teaching-learning as a set of events which are mediated primarily by a person, the consequence of which is change in behavior of a second person. A language for describing this phenomenon is needed which should denote those events which may properly be called instruction and those which should be labeled in other ways. The use of...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavioral Sciences, Classroom Communication, Classroom Observation Techniques,...
Observing children is a task teachers and caregivers perform to understand the unique characteristics of each child. Observation alone can be helpful, but in combination with record keeping it becomes a valuable aid to understanding child development and can be used as a basis for making decisions about appropriate experiences to foster each child's development. This booklet offers guidelines for observation and record keeping in early childhood settings. It examines the reasons for observing...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Check Lists, Classroom Observation Techniques, Early Childhood Education, Foreign...
Data from three classroom observation instruments (Florida Taxonomy of Cognitive Behavior, Reciprocal Category System, and Teacher Practices Observational Record), used simultaneously by three-member teams to observe 117 teachers and their students, were subjected to factor analysis to identify and define their discrete and overlapping areas and, more broadly, to test multidimensional instrumentation (cognitive, experimental, socioemotional). Results of the study favored multidimensionality as...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Educational Theories, Student Teacher Relationship,...
The construction of a category-type observational instrument based on sets of similar behavioral components from mutually exclusive subsets of measurably stated objectives of a particular special education treatment program is described. Systematic Who-to-Whom Analysis Notation is an in-process instrument employed unobtrusively, utilizing a who-to-whom format and the three-second rule. The observational data are reported to teachers and supervisors in meaningful forms and are used to supplement...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavioral Objectives, Classroom Observation Techniques, Measurement Instruments,...
Scott's coefficient is an improved method for estimating observer reliability using any system which assigns events to mutually exclusive categories. The formula is the ratio of the actual difference between obtained and chance agreement to the maximum difference between obtained and chance agreement. A FORTRAN program for calculating this reliability coefficient is presented. The program can be used with from 2 to 20 observers and can include any number of observations as long as the product...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Computer Programs, Educational Research,...
The purpose of this research report was to improve the utilization of classroom observation systems in instruction and research by identifying (a) new and unique dimensions of teaching, and (b) the commonalities of several existing observation systems. The design of this study called for the coding of classroom behaviors by individuals highly trained in the use of the nine observation systems selected for this study. A sample of 50 taped lessons demonstrating classroom performance was obtained,...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavior Patterns, Classroom Observation Techniques, Factor Analysis, Measurement...
A study was conducted to observe the varying degree of consistency between three sources of data with respect to the same classroom phenomenon. Data was gathered in a public high school near Detroit in 1969. Using the basic 10-category Flanders interaction analysis system, systematic observations of controversial issues discussions were made in the social studies classrooms of 14 teachers during 28 different discussion sessions (averaging 70 minutes per teacher). Student talk/teacher talk...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Classroom Research, Data, Data Analysis,...
A new instrument for classroom observation called the Personal Record of School Experience (PROSE), has been developed at Educational Testing Service. While PROSE was invented for a specific project involving 2000 4-year-old ghetto children, its general applicability has already become apparent. PROSE represents a primitive method of classroom observation since it does not provide an observer rating type of classroom record. PROSE strives to eliminate observer subjectivity by requiring only the...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavior Rating Scales, Classroom Environment, Classroom Observation Techniques,...
This paper discusses evaluating and observing teacher performance. It consists of three sections. The first section is an introduction, in which it is stated that most observations are used for the following two purposes: (1) the improvement of instruction, and (2) the provision of information to those who make personnel decisions in a school system. The second section is the major part of the paper. It is in the form of an outline and is a guide containing general descriptive examples of items...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Evaluation, Evaluation Methods, Performance,...
In order to assess the classroom behavior of PLAN students relative to students in other instructional systems, the PLAN Student Observation Scale (PLAN-SOS) was developed. Specifically, PLAN-SOS was designed to measure the percentages of time that students spend performing various behaviors judged to be important to the learning process in a system of individualized instruction. Twenty categories of behavior were described, clustered under the general headings of either working alone,...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Individualized Instruction, Program Evaluation,...
Examined were preschoolers' naturally occurring behaviors during their attempts to gain, maintain, and regain materials, space, and peers' attention/interaction in the classroom. The major question addressed was, Are there differences between "most" and "least" competent preschoolers in terms of (1) frequency and type of problem involvement, and (2) the number and type of strategies used to resolve problems? Subjects were 28 children attending one of four Head Start...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Observation Techniques, Interpersonal Competence, Preschool Children,...
A classroom observation rating scale, based upon a recent analysis of the literature and conceptually verified by open education advocates, effectively differentiated British and American open classrooms from American traditional classrooms. The influence of socio-economic settings was also demonstrated. For the three comparison groups, more features of open education were found in higher socio-economic settings than in lower ones. Rater-reliability for the classroom observation measure was...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Classroom Environment, Classroom Observation Techniques, Educational Innovation, Open...
This report summarizes three recent studies conducted by the Bureau of School Programs Evaluation of the New York State Education Department that sought to identify relationships between various school factors and student performance in reading and mathematics. The studies utilized three different research strategies. The Regression Study statistically analyzed State Education Department data to determine how various school factors relate to student achievement. The Outlier Study identified...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Academic Achievement, Classroom Observation Techniques, Educational Research,...
This report examined the effect of observer presence and absence on teacher behavior in the classroom. The study involved two undergraduate teachers in a preschool classroom serving eight children with special problems. Observations were made during a 45-minute work-play period when one of the teachers was in the play area. One observer recorded the teacher's behaviors behind a one-way mirror; the other observer was present in the classroom for 10 minutes of the 20-minute observation period....
Topics: ERIC Archive, Behavior Change, Classroom Observation Techniques, Observation, Preschool Children,...
