This study investigated the seating patterns of target students in science classrooms to see if there was an action zone or t-zone present. Fifty-six physical science and chemistry classes were observed using the Brophy-Good Teacher-Child Dyadic Observation System. Target students were identified and their interactions were compared to non-target…

The effects of cooperative learning on students' perceptions of themselves and their roles in academic settings are explored. A group of 28 students from seven intermediate classrooms in an urban school system were selected to be videotaped while participating in a cooperative problem-solving lesson and were subsequently interviewed. The students…

The San Diego Board of Education requested that pilot programs be conducted with commercially developed (Grades K-8) mathematics textbooks and programs in order to determine which of the programs/texts were superior, and whether a district-developed program could successfully compete with commercially produced materials. The pilot program…

This paper presents a discussion of several factors which influence evaluation utilization. Its purpose is to propose to Alkin's utilization framework the addition of one factor: multiplexity of data gathering methods. Two distinct discussions comprise this paper. First, supportive arguments for the assumption that this factor substantially…

A study of the use of and attitudes about language laboratories focused on teacher perceptions of their speed, accuracy, and motivational capability and on the extent to which these characteristics are exploited in classroom use by teachers and students. Observers in four British schools of English rated details of language laboratory use in a…

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…

The Collegial Evaluation Program leads to improved teaching by systematizing a way for teachers to obtain frequent, focused feedback from themselves, their students, and their colleagues. The process can be used by a single pair of teachers, a teaching team, a department, or an entire faculty. The purpose of this manual is to introduce the idea of…

An exploratory study was carried out in four Los Angeles Title I elementary schools to determine what accounted for the comparatively high reading scores made by these schools' students on the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills; determine whether the schools were engaged in demonstrably effective educational practices that other Title I and…

Principles for the design and implementation of practical training experiences for foreign students from developing countries enrolled in formal degree programs at U.S. colleges and universities are outlined. Practical training allows student-trainees to experience the application of classroom knowledge in order to strengthen their contribution to…

This monograph contains a description of continued research efforts in measuring and evaluating preservice teacher competencies and effectiveness in the competency-based teacher education (CBTE) program at the University of Toledo (Ohio). Chapter 1 introduces the assessment rationale, and chapter 2 provides an overview of research literature on…

This paper is part of a paper set which addresses the potential contributions of teacher effectiveness research to science teacher education. The goal of the study is to assess selected research-based teaching and observation practices in combination with an effective staff development procedure in the context of science education. Two techniques,…

Self-evaluation, director observations and evaluations, parent statements, and a lack of staff-child interaction indicated that a problem existed within an infant-toddler group. A practicum was therefore conducted to improve the quality of care. In 12 workshops, inservice training for teachers and student aides was provided to increase use of…

This report describes the conceptual background, design, and methodology for a study of management of academic tasks in junior high school. Previous research suggests that tasks students accomplish in classrooms determine what they actually learn, and acquisition of higher cognitive skills related to interpretation and planning is essential for…

This report describes the design of a test of one aspect of critical thinking ability, the ability to correctly appraise observations. Intended for classroom use with senior high school students, the 50 item Test on Appraising Observations is based on a comprehensive set of principles modified from Robert Ennes' conception of good observation…

Presented in nine separate chapters are nine studies involving the direct observation of science classrooms. Eight of the nine chapters are based on qualitative data collection techniques which typically aim for depth of insight and understanding. Studies included are: "Critical Barriers to the Understanding of Elementary Science: Learning…