Process-product research in which the investigator observes in teachers' classrooms and tries to relate process measures of teaching behavior to product measures of student outcome has face validity appeal and common sense logic. This research approach appears to be the simplest and most direct way to identify teaching behaviors which discriminate…

Classroom research on process-outcome relationships had burgeoned in recent years, revealing notable methodological advances and sensible, replicated findings. The studies of the early 1970s supporting direct instruction as particularly effective for producing achievement in basic skills in the early grades have been replicated and extended to…

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…

This study investigated the within-classroom uniformity of elementary students' perceptions of teachers' differential behavior, examining students at different achievement levels. Surveys indicated that achievement groups differed in perceptions of learning climate, negative reactions to teachers, and perceptions of teachers' differential behavior…

The results of this study on pupil and teacher perceptions of classroom interaction indicate that: (1) there are statistically significant differences in the kind of comments made by teachers of high and low pupil gain scores; (2) individual teachers respond differently to the same lesson; and (3) pupils are attentive to different aspects of…

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)

In discussing the past, present, and future of research in teacher effectiveness, this article notes that researcher's conceptions of teacher effectiveness has determined the nature of the research and the usefulness of the findings; process-product research can produce reliable information; the tools needed to build a knowledge base for effective…

The findings of this study suggest that (1) the previous track-record (how well teachers have performed differentially with groups of students having different learning rates) helps to predict how well teachers will do with students in their regular classrooms and (2) matched teacher/classrooms produce significantly higher achievers than do…

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)

Researchers perceived that teachers became more aware of their teaching behaviors, more aroused about being able to alter behaviors, and more conscientious about planning for the kinds of behaviors they wish to exhibit in a given situation as a result of the availability of a computer program (Analysis of Teaching Behavior). (MM)

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)

A review of recent literature on both theoretical and research findings on the application of research to improve classroom instruction is offered. (DF)

This review of research examines the contributions of American and European researchers to understanding how classrooms work and what "frame" or format factors exert their influence and supply the foundation that underlies academic achievement. (IAH)

A Dutch study compared two first grade classes with regard to teacher treatment of students and student behavior (dependent variables). One class participated in a national initiative to reduce or eliminate educational inequities. The independent variables included socioeconomic background, sex, scholastic identity attributed by the teacher, and…

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)