Methods of recording observational data on student behaviors are reviewed for special educators. Criteria for choosing an appropriate measure are applied to frequency/rate measures, duration measures, time sampling, and measurement of permanent products. (DB)

A videotaped lesson taught by the Secretary of Education, William Bennett, was coded and analyzed by reference to the norms of high school teacher performance in Florida. Specific strengths and areas of potential improvement are identified. Constructive changes in performance are suggested. (Author/MT)

This paper reports on a study attempting to link teaching practices to the educational achievement of secondary school students learning algebra for the first time. Results are presented. (Author/MT)

This article describes how a secondary teacher used a camera to photograph his students while working on one- and two-point perspective. It is maintained that the use of the camera provided a new regard for the students and a new respect for what both they and the teacher were doing. (JDH)

More information is necessary about constraints placed on teachers before sound classroom performance evaluations can be conducted. Results of an observational instrument utilized in South Carolina, "Describing Practices and Intentions of Classroom Teachers," isolates classroom factors associated with appropriateness of teachers'…

Analyzes six paradigms used in research on teacher effectiveness: (1) process-anecdotal; (2) process-systematic; (3) process-product; (4) experimental; (5) process-process; and (6) process-process-product. Recommends that paradigms coexist since all are based on direct observation of classroom behavior, and each represents a different,…

Teachers rated 63 first graders on three rating scales: the Quay-Peterson Behavior Problem Checklist, the Miller School Behavior Checklist, and a scale involving frequency estimates of disruptive behaviors. Data analysis revealed considerable independence of the major types of measurement (direct behavioral observation vs. global ratings).…

The advantages of "script taking" for use as a supervisory skill are presented. It is an easy and efficient alternative to expensive electronic taping in observing teacher performance. (MD)

An assessment approach for students with special needs includes an initial screening and a time sampling observation of the student in class. Observations are then used as discussion points with parents, children, and staff confidence; the approach nevertheless suffers from a lack of available classroom-based assessment programs. (CL)

This article notes that student teachers often find themselves just sitting'' because they have received no training or instruction in the art of observation, the main value of which is learning to be analytically as well as actively involved in teaching. (JA)

The question examined in this study was as follows: do teachers increase their positive classroom interactive behaviors as a result of training in systematic classroom observation techniques? (Authors/JA)

Persons interested in examining and improving instruction in the schools have long been aware of the need for more objective techniques to examine instructional processes. Flanders Interaction Analysis Categories provide an objective technique appropriate for studying the verbal, student-teacher interaction in classrooms; it can be applied in…

Purpose of this research was to develop an observational category system useful for studies of human peer-social behavior in the preschool period. (Authors)

Describes the underlying theory and procedures in developing a reliable category system for systematic observation of teacher-pupil interaction in high school biology classes. The instrument has five dimensions comprising the evaluative, cognitive, procedural, pupil-talk, and silence dimensions which are further divided into forty-five categories…