Based upon the communications process model of teaching and learning, the Miniaturized Total Interaction Analysis System (Mini-TIA) establishes a conceptual framework for observing symptomatic classroom behaviors. It provides a means for the evaluation of classroom communication. Interpersonal communication is defined as either verbal (using words) or nonverbal (involving gestures, mannerisms, and intonations of delivery). Mini-TIA is designed to focus on all aspects of communication; to emphasize content, personal development, and institutional aspects of communication events; to allow for student and teacher behavior; and to consider the students' perceptions of the communicative process. It is designed for use in large groups, and uses the time sampling technique in which each encoded event is given equal importance. The seven categories are: (1) reinforcement by the teacher; (2) use of student idea by the teacher; (3) content presentation by teacher; (4) control of students by teacher; (5) student talk about content; (6) student talk about personal needs; and (7) silence or multiple talking. (Detailed instructions for coding, tallying of results, and constructing an interpretive matrix are included). (GDC)