This paper describes a series of collaborative research seminars designed to allow classroom teachers to observe and assess critical aspects of Logo learning in their own classrooms. Based on structured interviews with participating teachers, the workshops are designed to support classroom teachers in observing their own students, collecting data…

A development and field-testing effort explored ways of helping preservice teachers learn classroom management knowledge and skills during field-based preservice courses. An observation guide, "Learning the Classroom Environment, An Observer's Guide to Classroom Management" (Sanford & Emmer, 1985), has four general areas: the classroom setting;…

This paper sets forth implications for staff development of a social constructivist perspective on school teaching, learning, and subject matter. The perspective is illustrated by an overview of the research-centered staff development work done in the beginning months of the Teachers' Conceptual Change in Practice Project. In the first half of the…

The Teacher Quality Assurance Program, an integral part of the Houston, Texas, Plan for Excellence, addresses renewal and professional growth opportunities for current staff. The program is administered by a bi- or tri-dimensional assessment team that may consist of the principal, an instructional supervisor, and the associate and/or deputy…

The Counselor Quality Assurance Program, part of the Houston, Texas, Plan for Excellence, addresses the renewal and professional growth opportunities for school counselors. The program is administered by a bi- or tri-dimensional assessment team that may consist of the principal, a supervisor or appropriate central office administrator, and the…

Stereotypic behavior was examined in a group of five multiply handicapped children (4-10 years old) over a 2-year span. Observational data were collected at 6-month intervals in the form of 2-minute running descriptions of the child's behavior and the general setting, or condition, of the behavior (e.g., unattended, or stressed). Results revealed…

Ways to promote the evaluation of teaching performance by peers are considered. It is suggested that the evaluator's task be extended to include counseling and coaching the instructor being evaluated in order to help him/her overcome deficiencies in classroom performance. The counselor/evaluator should start by scheduling a short meeting with the…

Surveys of teachers' use of writing in the classroom indicate that many teachers continue to use writing in a limited capacity, primarily for drill, notetaking, and evaluation. However, while these studies suggest attitudes teachers might hold, they say little about the beliefs that might underlie those attitudes. For example, the observation of…

This report explains the development of an experimental project that is one of five such projects making up the Dakota State Teacher's Assistant Series (Dakota State College, Madison, South Dakota). The projects use interactive computer-controlled video programs and involve the social sciences. The project highlighted here involves educational…

Naturalistic inquiry (based on the ethnographic research paradigm) has the potential to supplement, or possibly to replace, quantitative experimental research in education. For years most reading researchers have used the experimental research design. This design fails to tap self-concept, value systems, purpose of and attitude toward reading,…

Intended for early childhood teachers and supervisors, this booklet describes and illustrates a comprehensive recordkeeping system that is based on written observations. The full recordkeeping system includes daily classroom observational notes, monthly cumulative summaries, checklists, monthly plans, and bi-yearly progress reports. Daily notes…

This booklet focuses upon ways in which a teacher can increase the amount of time students apply themselves to learning. Methods are presented for observing how much time students actually spend learning, for identifying which students are off-task, and for selecting teaching methods to increase students' learning time. Contents include…

An observational instrument for physics instruction was developed and used in 126 class periods in courses taught by the lecture method and by an audio-tutorial method. Results indicate higher examination performance correlated positively with time spent stating and rephrasing problems, drawing diagrams on blackboards, and questioning or…

The author focuses on various types of nonverbal communication, reactions of both students and teachers to nonverbal communication, and techniques of developing improved communication to support openness in the classroom. An extensive literature review is presented to support the thesis that the essence of communication is nonverbal; if someone…

The purpose of this investigation was to respond to two deficiencies in past consultation research. It described the consultee-centered consultation techniques which were used, and it attempted to demonstrate the effectiveness of consultee-centered consultation in changing observable teacher behavior. (Author)