Only when one can describe teaching behavior in concrete terms, and can prove objectively whether a given type of behavior did or did not occur, can he hope to modify teaching methods with any efficiency. (Author)

Research supported in part by National Science Foundation grant no. GB4925, U.S. Public Health Service Grant FR00164 from the Division of Research Facilities and Resources.

Interaction analysis, a system for observing and coding the verbal interchange between a teacher and his pupils, is used to study spontaneous teaching behavior and to help teachers modify their behavior. Trained observers classify teacher statements according to; a) acceptance of student feelings; b) use of praise and encouragement; c) acceptance…

This paper presents an inservice education model for the feedback of information concerning a teacher's spontaneous classroom behavior. A trained observer classifies the teacher's statements using a matrix of ten categories. From a tabulation of matrix entries it is possible to make inferences concerning the teacher's attitudes and behavior with…

The presentation was given at a Pupil Personnel Service seminar to familiarize the conference participants with the techniques used by a behaviorist when he consults with a teacher using a classroom observational schedule. The report is divided into three parts: (1) method employed (subjects and setting apparatus, training children, instruction to…

The author concludes that Flanders' System of Interaction Analysis can be a valuable device for training teachers, particularly if carefully used in conjunction with other instruments; as a research device, problems of sampling rate and category definitions limit its usefulness. (Author)

Reported are the results of a study testing dominance and subordination among the spatially central and peripheral in 14 college classrooms. Differences in the defense of territory, upon invasion, between spatially central and spatially peripheral humans were investigated. (BT)

Some selected principles of Heider's balance theory are presented and the p-o-x model is explained as a theoretical framework for predicting responses to interpersonal situations in which the participants are in attitudinal agreement or disagreement. (Author)

In this paper a broad perspective on the phenomenon of teaching and learning is presented. The complex dynamics of interaction between teacher, student, and educational researcher are explored. Conventional research in education is characterized as relying heavily on methods adopted from other types of research in such fields as agriculture and…

The purpose of this study was to develop an observation system which would describe some of the important phenomena in groups that have the task of making a decision about a controversial issue involving value conflicts. The basic design to develop the observation system involved the analysis of transcriptions of group discussions of controversial…

This study examines infant temperament (inhibited and uninhibited styles) as a predictor of behavior in the kindergarten classroom. Thirty-one kindergarten children were observed in their classrooms for approximately 1.5 hours on each of four occasions between September and January. Fourteen children (8 girls, 6 boys) had been classified as high…

This paper abstracts more than thirty sources selected for their usefulness in providing contexts and specific illustrations for understanding observation and analysis. Some Reasons for Classroom Observation and Analysis, includes seven selections that deal with factors related to the rationale for observing and analyzing classroom behavior.…

An attempt to record what pupils think and feel during the instructional process is the basis of this investigation of pupils' goal-related behavior. Two experiments are described that analyze what fourth grade pupils can tell about their activities during the instructional period when they are aided by an immediate videotape replay. These…