This paper proposes that the study of schooling would benefit from more research that is social in nature. The characteristics of social research are described in terms of three dimensions--the extent to which "context" and "interaction" of phenomena are considered and the degree to which "participant conceptions" are incorporated in description…

School research should be more social in nature, i.e., contextualized, interactive/dynamic, and sensitive to participant conceptions. To explore the possibilities and limitations of the social study of social studies, a conception of social research is delineated, using recent social studies classroom research as illustration. Research utilization…

Identification of behavioral correlates of differential teacher expectations for pupil performance is made through a system of dyadic interaction analysis. Observable differences in secondary teachers' behavior with pupils from whom they expect high achievement and pupils from whom they expect low achievement are measured in seven social studies…

Examination of the relationships between achievement ratings and interaction variables suggest that teachers interpret the same student behavior in different ways depending upon the student's race. With increased understanding of the student characteristics and behaviors influencing the formation of differential teacher perceptions, it would be…

Using a case study approach, this paper examines how science and social studies curriculum materials are used in the elementary classroom. The major questions of interest to the study are: What differences in curriculum materials use and classroom activity patterns are evident when old programs are replaced with new ones? To what extent do…

How the social organization of the classroom, including teacher and student roles, patterns of interaction, and norms extended or constrained students' learning opportunities was examined. A total of 6 English, science, and social studies classes in grades 6 and 7 were observed for the first month of the school year; activities in the school were…