This paper examines current forms and instruments of classroom observation and suggests directions for future research studies. The following topics are covered: the need for good criterion measures, the use of observational instruments in outcome measures, the development of procedures to code the content that is covered in a classroom, the…

This critique of James Gallagher's Topic Classification System (TCS), a tool of categorizing teacher-pupil classroom interaction, suggests revision of the system asking for more complete analysis of the data obtained with it, but recommends its use in future investigations especially in view of its organization and the "unique elements"…