The idea that nontraditional educational programs should be evaluated according to criteria defined by the theories behind the program is applied to an evaluation of a Planned Variation-Project Follow-Through program. Classroom observation was used to study adult-child interactions. (GDC)

Five vignettes of classroom interactions are presented to illustrate via the aesthetic evaluation model the significance of complex student-teacher interactions that facilitate or disrupt learning and the rendering of the unique characteristics of particular teaching-learning situations. (Editor)

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…

Numerous methods of evaluating language teaching and learning are in common use, including direct classroom observation. A time-interval recording system is offered as a practical and reliable technique. It includes describing behavior to be observed, recording occurrences in a time interval, charting progress and interpreting findings. (CHK)

The author describes the structure and methodology of "educational criticism" and provides excerpts from a study done in a high school art history class. Educational criticism is based on lengthy classroom observations and describes, interprets, and evaluates classroom life. The educational critic must be knowledgeable about classrooms and the…

An observational monitoring system is described for evaluating preschool programs and providing feedback to relatively untrained caregivers in order to encourage program improvement in the social and cognitive realms. The system utilizes a simple one page observation form for teachers and children detailing interaction and type of activity. Data…

This paper is based on the premise that an evaluation of teacher performance should consist of an evaluation of the teacher's presentation of subject matter and of the teacher's interaction with the students. In order to develop a balanced evaluation methodology, four English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in two schools on the island of…

Toward providing administrators more convenient classroom observation techniques, this article describes how to use the Flanders' Interaction Analysis System (which encodes classroom verbal behavior) with microcomputers and videotaping. (JW)

The wide variety of contexts in which good teaching takes place, a desirable circumstance from most points of view, creates problems, not the least of which is evaluation. Systematic observation is one measurement procedure that can provide some of the data essential to reliable observation. The fourteenth National Symposium for Professionals in…

The goals, processes, and objectives of teacher evaluation are examined. Evaluation is defined as a planning and decision-making tool, and such evaluation activities as observing, holding conferences, supervising, and writing reports are discussed. An analysis of the tasks involved in teaching is provided so that evaluators will have specific ways…

A Swedish research project dealing with creativity in schools is summarized and discussed. Interest areas include: (1) surveys of opinions about how to promote creativity in schools; (2) classroom observations on creativity-relevant teacher- student interactions; (3) development and try-out of certain Swedish tests for creativity; (4) studies of…

This document describes the development of an observation instrument which could provide an objective record of the content of the learning environment in the early childhood classroom. A team of early childhood specialists explored the critical dimensions of the preschool experience and developed a series of descriptive categories in terms of…

The development of a systematic method for observing and describing significant aspects of teacher-pupil behavior in an experimental preschool educational program is described. The intent of the observation and description was: (1) to determine the extent to which theoretical principles and stated educational objectives were being implemented in…

Using a modified typewriter interaction analysis system, an observer is able to record specific teacher-pupil behaviors as they interact in an instructional setting and distinguish accurately and comprehensively the cause and effect relationship. The system has the capability to distinguish patterns of behavior between different teachers in such a…

This paper discusses the use of process-oriented research in early childhood programs. Process analysis is contrasted with outcome-oriented evaluation, the latter seen as prevalent in current research practice. Four functions of process analysis are: to describe current teaching practices, to train teachers, to monitor instructional programs, and…