This paper shows how peer observation of learning and teaching (POLT) discussions can be augmented through the use of a dynamic visual notation that makes visible for interpretation, elements of teacher-learner and learner-earner nonverbal interactions. Making visible the nonverbal, physical, spatial and kinesics (eye-based) elements of…

Initially, the author began her teacher inquiry project by focusing on the superhero play she had been observing in her classroom and on her concerns about how it might be impacting the classroom community. Through an ongoing process of self-reflection and reading research, she was able to open herself up to interacting and engaging with the…

A theory of structure in teaching is presented and a system of analysis introduced which allows empirical investigation of verbal behavior in the classroom. Two kinds of structure are distinguished: "static" structure, defined as stable organized clusters of knowledge, and "kinetic" structure, defined as the sequential process of building up…

This tightly focused profile of an exceptionally able elementary school teacher includes background material on her youth and early years in teaching as well as an in-depth analysis of her teaching methods and relationships with students. Videotapes of her classroom performance and retrospective interviews were used to obtain information. An…

Statistical interactions between two instructional methods and five cognitive aptitudes were examined to determine whether the methods are most effective among different learners. Sixth grade students (n=275) were randomly assigned to eight periods of rule-example (ruleg) or example-rule (egrule) programmed instruction in critical thinking.…

This book focuses on questioning techniques and strategies teachers may employ to make the difference between active and passive learning in the classroom. There are nine chapters: (1) Why Questions? (Ambrose A. Clegg, Jr.); (2) Review of Research on Questioning Techniques (Meredith D. Gall and Tom Rhody); (3) The Multidisciplinary World of…

Using a specific teaching model as the criterion, three groups of elementary school teachers with differing levels of teaching experience were observed with a microcomputer recorder while teaching in their classroom settings. A step-wise discriminant analysis isolated specific motivational and instructional techniques from the model which produced…

Three studies on teacher planning procedures are described and synthesized--a survey, a laboratory study, and a series of case studies. The primary goal of this research was to determine how teachers plan classroom activities, why they plan in certain ways, and what is the relationship between teacher planning and teaching effectiveness. A survey…

This paper offers a concept for overcoming some problems in classroom observation research stated in the following three propositions: (1) there is a logical gap between available means for describing teacher behavior using observation schemes and the larger purposes of education; (2) classroom observation instruments have neglected descriptions…

This study investigates the nature and stability of verbal behaviors for different contextual purposes in classrooms with varying structures, from traditional to open, utilizing the RCS interaction analysis system modified to code for contextual purpose (cognitive, procedural, social, affective, and behavioral). Eighteen observations were made in…

Radio-assisted practice is a technique that allows unobtrusive communication from supervisor to trainee teacher during actual teaching activity. Further research, implications, and application to the enhancement of intelligent teaching skills are discussed. (Author/DF)

The paper describes a computer-based project designed to help college instructors teach introductory sociology. The project combines a variety of orientations to expose students to basic sociological concepts, classic theories, and the breadth of the discipline. Two traditional methods of teaching sociology include relying on different instructors…

Teacher-child interaction in an open classroom was observed and teacher behavior and its resultant effectiveness was rated by means of a coding system developed early in the observation process. (JB)

The results of this study on pupil and teacher perceptions of classroom interaction indicate that: (1) there are statistically significant differences in the kind of comments made by teachers of high and low pupil gain scores; (2) individual teachers respond differently to the same lesson; and (3) pupils are attentive to different aspects of…