Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the variability of principals' classroom observations across schools and to relate classroom observations to the schools' instructional climate. This helps identify the conditions under which classroom observations effectively improve instruction in some schools and not in other schools.…

Teachers can provide a much more detailed and informed diagnosis of language problems despite the continued use of inadequate standardized tests. Suggestions for teachers include arranging the classroom to provide interest centered activity areas which afford opportunities for observing student language skills. (Author/DB)

Provided for regular and special class teachers is a list of questions for observing student behavior in eight areas: independent work, organization, written work, teacher-directed activities, oral language, cafeteria behavior, relationship with peers and motor ability. (CL)

"Classroom Assessment in Action" clarifies the multi-faceted roles of measurement and assessment and their applications in a classroom setting. Comprehensive in scope, Shermis and Di Vesta explain basic measurement concepts and show students how to interpret the results of standardized tests. From these basic concepts, the authors then…

The article presents a rationale for naturalistic assessment of young handicapped and nonhandicapped children in the classroom. Observation of such areas as cognitive activity, materials use, sustained activity, activity variation, adaptive environment, and classroom structure are encouraged. Four alternative assessment procedures are presented,…

A young child with cerebral palsy was observed concurrently using four methods of data collection--a participating master teacher, a participating intern teacher, a nonparticipant observer, and videotape recordings--which were then compared. The findings indicated that a highly trained and experienced participant observer can furnish more than…

Since thinking is most often performed in problem-solving situations, teachers can become observers by providing situations in which students can practice and demonstrate intelligent behaviors. Some indicators include: perseverance, precision of language, problem finding, decreased impulsivity, metacognition, checking for accuracy, transference,…

Emphasizes that consideration of students' reading attitudes is an essential part of reading assessment. Discusses different ways of conceptualizing reading attitudes that teachers might find helpful and makes suggestions on how teachers can actually measure the attitudes of their students. (AEA)

The paper discusses the teacher's use of such informal techniques as observation and checklists to detect students' particular instructional or behavioral needs, to detect areas of strength or weakness, and to formulate remedial programs. (Author/SBH)

This paper describes two approaches to the evaluation of student learning skills and learning styles: the "One Minute Paper" and classroom observation of students in cooperative learning groups. The One Minute Paper developed, by R. Weaver and H. Cottrell (1985), is a form completed by students at the end of class that asks students to indicate…

The document examines three case studies of intellectually gifted young children and explores competencies for accurately identifying and nurturing the young gifted child in the regular classroom. An introductory section reviews child development principles, notes characteristics of physical development in gifted children, and considers behaviors…

An approach for systematically observing and recording behavioral difference in the classroom is described, and its use with 11 behavior problem elementary students is discussed. The author points out the importance of peer sampling and the use of multiple observations to avoid erroneous conclusions. A case study of a second grade child…

Observation is used to chart children's development, to gain insight into children's behavior, and to guide curricular decision making. It also plays an important role in assessment, by either replacing or supplementing standardized evaluation instruments. These ideas and guidelines offer practical, field-tested advice for incorporating…

Techniques are proposed for informally assessing oral communication skills in learning disabled adolescents. A feedback sheet uses direct observation by the teacher while the self-rating scale uses an indirect form of observation by the student. Theoretical premises of the two measures are noted. The Communication Feedback Sheet is designed to…