The 99 observation systems described in this anthology describe measurable categories of behavior, rather than global concepts. These systems function as a meta-language--a language for describing communication. Each represents one or more of seven major categories: affective, cognitive, nonverbal, activity, content, sociological structure, and…

A procedure is described for recording dyadic social interactions between family members. The procedure is presented within the context of general considerations for recording behavior, and the specific rationale underlying the present technique is given. Functional definitions for several behavior categories are included and an example of how the…

The Classroom Interaction Analysis Index (CIAI) was developed to categorize the actions of teachers and students as they interact in classroom situations. The CIAI rating system is easy to learn and easy to use. Experience has shown that the average teacher or supervisor can use it effectively after three or four one-hour sessions. The purpose of…

The Social Science Observation Record (SSOR) is an interaction analysis-systematic observation scheme enabling users to engage in interaction analysis as a descriptive record. Pilot studies suggest that the knowledge of the system enables pre-service social studies teachers (using microteaching simulation) to modify their own behavior in…

Based upon the communications process model of teaching and learning, the Miniaturized Total Interaction Analysis System (Mini-TIA) establishes a conceptual framework for observing symptomatic classroom behaviors. It provides a means for the evaluation of classroom communication. Interpersonal communication is defined as either verbal (using…

This paper discusses how students engage in misbehavior for meaningful, needs-meeting reasons. Methods for helping children to learn more satisfying and appropriate ways of meeting their needs are explained. The Pennsylvania State University Social-Emotional Climate Index is presented as a tool for assessing the classroom climate. (Author/BE)

A self-rating scale was used with five mothers of preschool children with language impairments to determine whether the mothers' directive interactional style could be changed to a nondirective style without modeling or correction. Preliminary results indicated that viewing a videotape of a play session between the mother and child and completion…

The Classroom Interaction Analysis Index (CIAI) is an instrument developed to categorize the actions of teachers and students as they interact in classroom situations. In the study described, a class of 30 social studies student teachers were divided into teams of five each. Each team taught the same preplanned lesson twice--by illustrated lecture…

A study assessed the validity of applying the Spitzberg and Cupach dyadic model of communication competence to small group interaction. Twenty-four students, in five task-oriented work groups, completed questionnaires concerning self-competence, alter competence, interaction effectiveness, and other group members' interaction appropriateness. They…

This manual describes procedures for collecting data about two classroom elements: (1) teacher-student interactions; and (2) amount and type of student engagement in academic work. Although the system was originally developed from a study of influences on sex-related differences in mathematics, it is designed to be adapted as needed for…

As part of the development of a classroom interaction observation instrument, this report presents the results of a comparative study of group interaction in contrasting educational environments (open and traditional) with children of different socioeconomic backgrounds (middle and lower classes). Additionally, problems of adequately assessing…

Limitations of past research on college teaching and a recent exploratory study are considered. The study focused on the degree to which teachers encourage, praise, or use student ideas; the degree to which teachers ask questions that encourage evaluative and divergent thinking; the degree to which students make higher levels of cognitive…

The Student Attributes Coding System has been developed for gathering data about the personal characteristics and classroom behavior of elementary school students selected for observation because they engender predictable attitudes and expectations in their teachers. This system is designed to systematically record and categorize all interactions…

This coding manual was developed for the Texas Teacher Effectiveness Study and is intended to be self-contained. The coding system provides for extensive coding of student initiated questions and comments, opinion questions, and expanded private work contracts, both teacher initiated and student initiated, including extensive coding of quality and…

This paper presents a scale to evaluate the social interactions between students with severe disabilities and nondisabled students in integrated settings. The Educational Assessment of Social Interaction (EASI) was developed to be used with relatively little training but still be sensitive to the following major dimensions of interactions: (1)…