Teaching young students to think critically has always been important, however, as the United States transitions to a national set of learning standards which emphasizes higher-order thinking, it becomes essential. In this quasi-experimental study we evaluate the effects of exposure to the Journeys and Destinations (J&D) unit from the William…

This article presents a mathematical algorithm that relates student achievement with directly observable, quantifiable teacher and student behaviors, producing a modified form of the Walberg model. The algorithm (1) expands the measurable factors that comprise the quality of instruction in a linear basis of research-based teaching components and…

The authors' experiences in using three different approaches to the study and documentation of processes used in the Experience-Based Career Education model are reported. The approaches used were: ethnography, systematic observation of student behavior in natural settings, and in-depth student interviews. (Author/BP)

The procedure used in this study to validate the behavioral categories was found to be a useful method for examining the validity of all classroom observation systems. (Author/DEP)

Investigated interactive and noninteractive classroom behavior (as related to structural dimensions of the classroom) in order to observe student-student interaction in naturalistic classrooms, specifically in science subjects. Also investigated the empirical validity of a conceptual framework related to student classroom behavior. (JN)

A two-level model was formulated for the evaluation projects engaged in staff development in the Memphis elementary schools. The model takes into account that such projects are responsible for direct outcome in terms of teacher behavior, and indirect outcome in terms of pupil behavior. The two-level model provides an opportunity for assessing the…

Teaching practices in a total of 273 first and third grade Follow Through classrooms were examined in relation to (1) their consistency with the goals of seven sponsors' educational models, and (2) their effects on children's performance in areas ranging from reading and arithmetic achievement to nonverbal reasoning, independence and school…

Classroom observation is an integral part of teacher preparation. The observer must enter the classroom with a frame-of-reference: knowledge of the teacher's goals and objectives, awareness of the climate of the classroom, and knowledge of the discipline. Observation forms to objectively record classroom interaction, assess the learning climate,…

The Social Science Observation Record (SSOR) is an interaction analysis-systematic observation scheme enabling users to engage in interaction analysis as a descriptive record. Pilot studies suggest that the knowledge of the system enables pre-service social studies teachers (using microteaching simulation) to modify their own behavior in…

Phase 1 has been completed of a five-phase project to develop a model of teacher role behavior in individualized classrooms, to develop teacher training courses (including workshops) for behaviors specified by the role model, and to train teachers (inservice and/or preservice) to fulfill the role provided by the model. The classroom management…

This study identified dimensions of classroom control derived from factor analysis of selected classroom process variables, interpreted these dimensions in relation to two contemporary models of classroom control, and explored the relationships between dimensions of control and certain cognitive and affective outcomes. (Author/LMO)

A set of dimensions for describing teacher discussion style is presented in this paper written in 1963. In the task dimension, teacher style is defined in terms of statement posture (positive or negative assertion), discussion posture (teacher's attitude toward information, e.g., descriptive, analytic), statement types (value judgments or factual…

Naturalistic ethnographic research methods useful for the study of the dynamics of effective college teaching are discussed based on the findings of an ethnographic study. Naturalistic research methods were used in the study to understand better the task and social dimensions of a college classroom. Lessons were studied in the classroom as they…

Systematic and reliable feedback are critical elements of microteaching. One system whereby pre-service and in-service teachers may obtain systematic and reliable feedback during microteaching is called the Social Science Observation Record (SSOR). This monograph is intended to meet three purposes: (1) To explain the SSOR as a verbal system for…

The Social Science Observation Record (SSOR) is a systematic observation system designed to abstract and describe class discussion, specifically those discussions directed toward value clarification as an aspect of subject-matter instruction. The objective and yet diverse nature o category observation systems is described and an explanation is…