This study used a systems perspective to determine whether differences exist between classrooms of expert (n=35) and novice (n=35) teachers on the cohesion, communication, and flexibility dimensions of the Classroom Systems Observation Scale (CSOS). A 50-minute observation using the CSOS was conducted in elementary school classrooms in New York…

The history and utility of category observation instruments are briefly traced; category observation instruments are defined and their essential properties stated; and a sequential strategy for their construction is discussed. (MM)

Results of this study indicate that programs designed to break down the barriers to cross-sex and cross-race association could be a powerful approach to increasing positive social interaction in the classroom. (MM)

Macroanalysis is a technique by which behavior patterns can be identified from any observational data are collected in a manner that preserves the sequence of the individual codes. (MM)

This article describes two types of classroom process research (process-product and descriptive) which are being funded by the National Institute of Education, and it analyzes the trend toward a greater emphasis on descriptive research. (MM)

Findings from this project suggest that (1) effective teaching can be predicted from observation in natural classroom settings and (2) a teacher can be trained in the use of observation instruments in order to assess another teacher's performance. (MM)

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)

This study examined the verbal behavior of students and teachers in three learning activities: microcomputer work, group work, and conventional (teacher-directed) instruction. Verbalizations were coded into seven task-related and one non-task-related categories. Variations in verbal interactions during each activity were recorded and are…

Research on teacher evaluation and teacher effectiveness indicates that there are serious problems with the reliability of presage, process, and product findings. Quality in teaching can best be assessed by measuring process in the classroom and by using observation instruments which record the occurrence of specific, well-defined behaviors. (PP)

To increase the academic achievement levels of its students, the District of Columbia Public Schools adopted a teacher training model known as Academic Learning Time. A description of the training of observers and teacher trainers is included. (Author/DF)

Training techniques used by five trainers conducting a workshop on changing teaching behaviors were studied to discover methods for examining trainer behaviors. Four observation methods were used. Results are discussed. (Author/DF)

Problems in studying teacher effectiveness through the use of classroom observation are discussed. Four assumptions in the observation of classroom process are offered and ways in which these assumptions can be dealt with in designing an observation study are suggested. (DF)

The potential of two-way television as an instructional medium was examined through observations of presentations by medical faculty. The study found that similar teaching strategies were used in conventional classrooms and in two-way television mediated lessons. Detailed study results are offered. (Author/DF)

The concept of instructional improvement is used as a framework to synthesize research concerning systematic observation of instruction. A self-help model for improving classroom instruction is proposed that illustrates the concepts of instructional effectiveness, systematic observation of instruction, and assistance as a personalized,…

The problem of obtaining reliable descriptions of classroom events is examined. Using sampling theory, the amount of classroom time to be sampled and observed to obtain precise descriptions is analyzed. Results suggest that previous studies of classrooms have used inadequate samples to estimate the behaviors of teachers and students. (JN)