Discusses the direct instruction pattern, which is based on teacher-centered classroom organization, as a workable teaching style, especially among children of the lower class. Describes teacher behaviors involved in implementing this teaching style, and suggests the use of an observation instrument to monitor direct instruction behaviors.…

Based on data from over 1,000 elementary-secondary classrooms reported in "A Study of Schooling," the author finds little variety in teaching practices across schools. The majority of class time is spent in teachers lecturing to the class or in students working on written assignments. (Author/SK)

Examines elementary school teachers' perceptions of the nature and function of learning activities. Three specific questions were investigated: (1) What do teachers perceive as successful or unsuccessful learning activities? (2) What reasons do teachers give concerning why a learning activity is successful or unsuccessful? and (3) To what extent…

The problem of obtaining reliable descriptions of classroom events is examined. Using sampling theory, the amount of classroom time to be sampled and observed to obtain precise descriptions is analyzed. Results suggest that previous studies of classrooms have used inadequate samples to estimate the behaviors of teachers and students. (JN)

Describes a play observation system and offers guidelines for using a recently developed play observation inventory. Two basic sociodramatic play training procedures are described which teachers can use to enhance the quality of children's play. (Author/RH)

Suggests ways that teachers can collect data from their classrooms and asserts that classroom research that involves a conscious, deliberate attempt to observe, reflect, explain, and evaluate will lead to further insights into instructional practice and changes in that practice. (HOD)

The article defines and describes coping and stress, their relationship to learning, and how they are assessed for educational planning for preschool handicapped children. The Coping Inventory, an observation assessment instrument, is used to show how the teaching and learning of coping behavior can be part of each child's educational plan.…

Emphasizes that consideration of students' reading attitudes is an essential part of reading assessment. Discusses different ways of conceptualizing reading attitudes that teachers might find helpful and makes suggestions on how teachers can actually measure the attitudes of their students. (AEA)

Offers categories, such as management of class time and use of practice and play, which can be used in observing the instructional performance of physical education teachers. A rating form is included. (SJL)

Suggests that teacher observations form a valid and integral part of student assessment and that, in addition to standardized tests and informal tests, this "inner-ocular technique" is an important means for assessing the effectiveness of reading instruction. (MKM)

Social interactions and peer preferences in a preschool mainstream classroom containing 20 normally developing and at-risk children were studied, using the ethological method of direct observation. Data on social play and gaze orientation indicated that normally developing children and at-risk children interacted primarily with children from their…

Direct observation is consistent with the multidimensional approach specified in the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Furthermore, it is directly related to psychoeducational planning, consultation, and intervention, and it is a credible information source. (Author/CP)

A classroom observation scale designed to be used in the observation and recording of an individual student's behavior and the teacher's response to the behavior is presented. (Author/PHR)

Takes a "tongue-in-cheek" look at employing N. A. Flanders' classroom observational technique, Interaction Process Analysis (IPA), for purposes of evaluating secondary students' reading behavior during Sustained Silent Reading. (Author)

Reviews research findings of the observer effect on student and teacher behavior and its implications for administrators. (Author/MLF)