After describing his research interests and classroom perspectives, the author discusses the "social construction" frame in which he suggests that teaching and learning in the mathematics classroom be viewed. Along with the three constructs of activities, communication, and negotiation, social construction offers promise for research…

Twelve trained observers were randomly assigned to one of two methods of data collection in scoring teacher-student interactions. Results indicated no overall difference in observer accuracy between momentary time sampling and continuous data collection when scoring behaviors that differed along the dimensions of frequency and predictability.…

The language use and interactions of limited English proficient Chinese American first graders and their two teachers were analyzed. One teacher was bilingual; the other was not. The study consisted of three phases: identification of speech events, recording and analysis of speech acts during teacher-directed lessons, and followup of target…

The underrepresentation of women in science and engineering might be caused by certain differences in science training processes. This study investigated sex differences in classroom atmosphere and classroom behaviors of science teachers and students. Males were dominant in working on classroom displays and classroom activities. (YP)

A study related the communication responsiveness of instructors to the affective and cognitive outcomes of students in basic speech communication courses. Specifically, the study investigated both the instructors' overall responsiveness and their responsiveness as climate makers. The communication responsiveness of instructors was measured by the…

The purpose of this study was to explore how the needs, actions, and beliefs of teacher and students interact with the constraints of the classroom and the curriculum to establish an atmosphere conducive to effective learning of physics in grade 11. An interpretive research methodology was used to investigate the students' and teachers' needs,…

Prompted by research showing that communication is one element that distinguishes teachers rated effective by students from those rated ineffective, a study was undertaken to develop a scale for assessing the perceived communication effectiveness of graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). Two groups, one of undergraduate students and one of their…

Motivational strategies and attitudes toward learning were examined among students in three fifth-grade classrooms. Teacher statements used to frame lessons, maintain the session and keep students on task, and handle responsibility for learning were extracted from transcripts of classroom observations. Lesson framing and management/maintenance…

Research on classroom reading practices reveals a heavy emphasis on teacher monitoring and management of materials. Little evidence exists of teacher explanation in reading, and little is known about the qualitative dimensions of such instruction. With this in mind, a study was designed to provide descriptions of explanations used by effective…

Educating youth about the goals of the social/cultural system in which we live is largely the responsibility of teachers. Enthusiastic and dedicated teachers are able to transform the classroom into a place where the values, habits, and patterns of behavior that are a part of this culture are passed on to the future generation. (MD)

As part of a research project on teacher power in the classroom, a study examined behavior alteration techniques (BATs) and behavior representative messages (BAMs) used by elementary and secondary school teachers in classroom management. In the first phase of the study, 177 college students generated lists of BATs and BAMs, and then, working in…

Reports on a study of 138 college sociology professors on their attitudes about and techniques for learning students' names. Finds that the number of tactics used for learning names declines as class size increases. Includes 18 techniques for name-learning. (CFR)

The Computerized Observation System (COS) is a software program which an observer can use with a portable microcomputer to document preservice and inservice teacher performance. Specific observable behavior such as appropriate questions and responses shown to increase student achievement are recorded as Low Inference Observation Measures. Time on…

Female students participate less often and less assertively than males students in college classrooms, and teachers' discriminatory behaviors are partly responsible. Two in-class surveys assessed student perceptions of student-teacher interaction. Suggests that creating a better classroom climate for female students creates a better learning…

An investigation was made to determine whether teacher expectations influence the way teachers interact with students and, if they do, to assess what effects teacher behavior might have. Also addressed was the question of whether teachers treat males and females differently in ways that may discourage females in math. All teacher/student…