Proposed a method of predicting the mean rating of the cooperating teacher and college supervisor of student teachers on the Teacher Observation Rating Scale. Direct observation and operationally defined personality measures predicted student teacher performance more accurately than the prediction of academic performance in education. (Author/JAC)

Describes an ethnographic study of writing in one elementary classroom that identified four functions of writing: writing to participate in community, writing to know oneself and others, writing to occupy free time, and writing to demonstrate academic competence. (HOD)

Presents the author's personal viewpoints on the University of Leicester's School of Education Observational Research and Classroom Learning Evaluation (ORACLE) project. (DS)

A British observational study of science classroom interactions was replicated in Atlantic Canada with 33 teacher-class units. Comparison of results revealed a less practical approach to science teaching in the Canadian classrooms, with greater emphasis on the informational aspects of science and convergent, problem-solving activities. (Editor/SJL)

Results of two studies of teachers' attributions for school problems indicate that teachers hold student factors more responsible for classroom problems than teacher factors, and that teachers' attributions vary for learning v behavior problems. The second study also indicates that students perceived as lacking motivation were criticized more…

Reviews several ethnographic studies that focused on classroom processes which exclude or discriminate against minority group children. Discusses how an ethnographic approach, which considers the social context of learning, can provide more insight than have studies focusing on academic achievement and environmental determinants. (GC)

Examines the purposes of student evaluation and how they influence the daily life of the classroom. Discusses feedback to students and parents, minimum competencies, classroom observations, formal tests, and self-evaluation. (SS)

Reports conditions necessary for the adequate use of videotape recordings in reporting teaching techniques, teacher behavior, student behavior, and student teacher interaction. Proper camera placement is illustrated, observation categories are listed, and a sample videotape release form is included. (RAO)

Evaluates the value and effectiveness of college science laboratory instruction. An observational system called the Science Laboratory Interaction Categories (SLIC) was used to assess the performance of students and instructors in introductory and advanced laboratories of a large midwestern university. (HM)

An examination of the Ford Teaching Project and inquiry/discovering teaching theories leads to 43 hypotheses about the problems and possibilities of initiating teachers into classroom action research. (MM)

A model staff development program is presently being implemented at Memphis State University in which systematic observation and videotape feedback is used to provide teaching faculty with the opportunity to analyze and improve their classroom behaviors. (MM)

A multiple-choice behavioral observation scale designed to be used by preschool teachers was factor analyzed to obtain factor coefficients. The four factors obtained were cognitive skills, self-control, relationship with achievement model, and dependency. (Editor)

Study shows that faster ILP students tended to dominate in dyadic interactions with slower learners during structured play situations, while equal dyads were composed of students with similar achievement rates. Study suggests that ILP might increase rather than reduce negative school attitudes, and that further research regarding this possibility…

Proposes three thought experiments on various contexts of teaching mathematics. The experiments are intended to raise questions about the mathematics curriculum and to engage discussion about what topics should have high priority in arithmetic teaching. (DDR)