This paper reports on a study attempting to link teaching practices to the educational achievement of secondary school students learning algebra for the first time. Results are presented. (Author/MT)

This article describes how a secondary teacher used a camera to photograph his students while working on one- and two-point perspective. It is maintained that the use of the camera provided a new regard for the students and a new respect for what both they and the teacher were doing. (JDH)

A structured behavior-observation instrument for studying supervision (mode of communication, function, content, tone, location, and target) had high reliability when used with five administrators in schools for severely mentally retarded children. Supervisors generally spent more time on administrative than professional or teaching-related…

Rejects Peter C. Gronn's criticisms of structured observation as a method for studying administrators, arguing that these criticisms grow from a limited conception of administration and an overzealous promotion of alternative research techniques. (PGD)

More information is necessary about constraints placed on teachers before sound classroom performance evaluations can be conducted. Results of an observational instrument utilized in South Carolina, "Describing Practices and Intentions of Classroom Teachers," isolates classroom factors associated with appropriateness of teachers'…

Naturalistic inquiry is an alternative to traditional assessment and experimental methodologies for measuring the effects of early intervention programs with young handicapped children. Discussion focuses on (1) the inductive nature of the naturalistic method; (2) potential strengths and weaknesses; (3) procedures for data collection. (Author/JW)

Analyzes six paradigms used in research on teacher effectiveness: (1) process-anecdotal; (2) process-systematic; (3) process-product; (4) experimental; (5) process-process; and (6) process-process-product. Recommends that paradigms coexist since all are based on direct observation of classroom behavior, and each represents a different,…

Teachers rated 63 first graders on three rating scales: the Quay-Peterson Behavior Problem Checklist, the Miller School Behavior Checklist, and a scale involving frequency estimates of disruptive behaviors. Data analysis revealed considerable independence of the major types of measurement (direct behavioral observation vs. global ratings).…

Evaluated the effectiveness of a training group for health care workers (N=5) engaged in learning interpersonal skills. Two research confederates observed and recorded group process. While participants reported a positive experience to the trainer, a negative experience was reported among group members, suggesting the possibility of subject bias.…

Principal performance can improve if daily 15-second visits to every classroom are made a high priority. Tips include determining teacher attitudes and kinds of teacher-student interactions, looking at the classroom environment, and listening to between-classes student conversations. (KS)

SYMLOG is a comprehensive field theory that synthesizes and integrates a diverse spectrum of social scientific frameworks. Through its quantification and organizations, one can describe and evaluate personality, values, and interpersonal relationships through three dimensions, the end product being a field diagram. Its application to work with…

The methodology of participant observation in evaluation research is described. The author cites examples of its use and includes references to additional sources of information. The characteristics of participant observation, appropriate circumstances for use, and specific techniques of this method are examined. (Author/DWH)

Experimental group trainees who used well-defined observation systems to collect teacher/pupil data for feedback to peers maintained a higher level of pupil accuracy during direct instruction, maintained a brisker presentation and correct rate, and tended to prompt correct responses less often than the control group. (Author)

This paper deals with use of field research in an investigation of diffusion and use of information in environment of working poor. Highlights include discussion of field research and identification of conceptual themes (gaining entry, field researcher's role, anxiety in field research, rapport, reciprocity, empathy, maturity). Forty references…

Presents the Dyadic Interaction Scoring Code (DISC) as a marital observation system designed to be compatible with the Datamyte 900 Data Collector. Its derivation from existing coding systems and its contributions are discussed. Data on marital interaction provide a research example of its usage. (JAC)