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…

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,…

This paper contains optional modifications and additions to the Brophy-Good Dyadic Interaction Coding Manual (ED 042 688). Included are 1) suggestions for changes in the way level-of-question is coded; 2) modifications of the child's answer categories for simplification or expansion; 3) new distinctions for coding the teacher's feedback following…

As a result of a concern over the adequacy of teacher rating instruments, a project was begun to develop a pool of items describing teacher behavior. Most of the items were derived from the literature; some were written by the project. The item pool presently consists of 1137 items subsumed under 19 categories. Examples of categories are: personal…

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…

Recent interest in the direct, descriptive study of teaching has led to renewed attention to the types of questions asked by teachers. An important contributing factor has also been the progress made in the analysis of cognitive operations and the identification of a complex hierarchy of operations. Several observation systems developed from…

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 technique of macroanalysis has been developed to facilitate the process of examining patterns of behavior. In this technique, sequentially recorded observational data are computer-analyzed in units of three or more codes. Behavior patterns that have been identified from observational data are collected so that the sequence of individual…

It is suggested that the low reliability of five low-inference and two high-inference classroom observation systems are due not to lack of agreement among rates, but to apparent variation in teacher behavior across occasions. (Author/MJB)

An examination of teacher performance appraisal methods revealed some problems and abuses. Effective evaluation schemes were built upon observation usually mutually agreed, objective criteria for classroom observation, mutual goal seeting, self-appraisal, and support in the form of inservice training and available resources. (JD)

Tests hypothesis that young children who were anxiously attached would be more likely than securely attached children to have behavior problems in preschool. Examines particular patterns of anxious attachment in relation to specific problem behaviors. Studies child, parental, interactional, and environmental factors that account for behavior…

Demonstrates that while question-answer sessions affect pupil conduct, pupil responses influence teachers' behavior and the strategies they adopt. (JOW)

To examine the antecedents and consequences of social comparison exchanges of preschool children, this paper describes and analyzes several examples of such behavior. Data provide variegated descriptions of the social components of comparison behaviors in naturally occurring classroom contexts. (Author/RH)

A behavioral mapping observation procedure was employed in three classrooms with 19 autistic students (6-14 years old). Eight behaviors were observed in five typical classroom settings. The results indicated that within a classroom environment, particular settings were associated with or "wedded to" high rates of particular behavior and low rates…

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…