The purpose of this document is to describe two process-oriented classroom observation scales and to report a research study which offers further support for the validity of these instruments. The two observation scales, developed by Harvey, et al., are (1) Teaching Rating Scale, devised specifically as a measure of classroom atmosphere, and (2)…

This paper examines current forms and instruments of classroom observation and suggests directions for future research studies. The following topics are covered: the need for good criterion measures, the use of observational instruments in outcome measures, the development of procedures to code the content that is covered in a classroom, the…

This study proposed to intervene systematically on teacher and pupil population with interpersonal skill training. The program was designed to provide opportunities for teachers to examine their own classroom behavior, and to provide children with social skill training. The inservice teacher training, utilizing an examination of on-site video…

This report describes participant evaluation as a method of studying social phenomena. A review of literature presents participant observation in relation to some of the other techniques of research, e.g., experimentation and statistical surveys using pre-tested questionnaires. Lengthy discussion of seven problem areas of participant observation…

AN INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL CALLED FOR A SIMULATED CLASSROOM SETTING IN WHICH A STUDENT TEACHER COULD PRACTICE NEW TEACHING BEHAVIORS UNDER SUPERVISION AND EXPERIENCE THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS OWN BEHAVIOR. THE MODEL ALSO SPECIFIED THAT THE SUPERVISOR OF THE STUDENT TEACHER'S BEHAVIOR HAVE THE CAPABILITY FOR CONTROLLING THE CLASSROOM EVENTS WHICH FOLLOW…

This investigation utilized a recent concept developed by researchers and theoreticians studying nonverbal behavior--the contextual framework. Instruments of demonstrated reliability were employed to record simultaneous verbal and nonverbal data within the selected contextual framework of student-initiated questions. Data was collected at the…

The present study examined indirect effects of modifying appropriate classroom behavior by itself and academic performance by itself. Results show reinforcing appropriate behavior increased that behavior but produced little improvement in arithmetic performance. However, reinforcing arithmetic performance increased correct work and resulted in a…

The present study investigated effects of a token program for one child on the attending behavior of other children sitting near him. Results show the rewarded child's attending increased in the reinforcement conditions and the unrewarded children's attending increased when they were sitting on either side of the rewarded child. (Author)

Providing teachers with training in interactive behavior skills (activities) is not sufficient to change teacher behavior in the classroom unless teacher beliefs about what is important (objectives) in the classroom are also modified. (MB)

States that community college instructors, using techniques of small group work to organize effective collaborative learning among students, have a unique opportunity both to foster genuine, positive change in their students and, through a disciplined process of classroom research, to document significant aspects of American cultural life. (SR)

Presents a study of elementary school classrooms and instructional groups that shows how school systems successively transform the composition of schools, grades, and classes in the process of allocating and using resources. Examines how course difficulty constrains instructional group composition, instruction applied to groups, and learning of…

The correlates of classroom behavior problems for groups of 40 mainstreamed learning disabled (LD) and 40 non-LD students (grades 3-6) were identified from among various personality indicators. One personality variable--reactivity--predicted total problem behavior for the LD group, although reactivity and social flexibility predicted variance in…

Outlines Denscombe's Hidden Pedagogy Thesis (HPT) and presents results of a study that shows the HPT fails to describe the conservative elements in teachers' work. Contends that socio-cultural factors also determine the occupational socialization of teachers and consequently shape the teachers' conception of limitations in their work. (BSR)

Classroom research and formative evaluation, the most efficient methods of assessing and planning teaching improvements, form the link to quality student learning. An assessment program at Alverno College (Wisconsin) and an instructional improvement program at Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) demonstrate the importance of bringing assessment…

Describes an informal classroom research project that explored how children perceive the changes they make in their writing and what they think about when they write. (HTH)