Analysis of teachers' questions, part of the ORACLE (Observation Research and Classroom Learning Evaluation) project research, is examined in detail. Scarth and Hammersley argue that the rules ORACLE uses for identifying different types of questions involve levels of ambiguity and inference that threaten reliability and validity of the study's…

The study examined the effects of observation alone and observation coupled with data collection on teachers' (N=40) ability to analyze trends in handicapped student academic performance, based on videotaped samples. Observation alone was adequate to accurately analyze upward trends, but data were required to accurately analyze level and downward…

Classroom variables associated with academic learning time (ALT)--instructional time, on-task behavior, and student success rate--are positively related to student achievement. Guidelines and forms are provided for teachers and supervisors to gather objective and usable information on these ALT components through direct classroom observation…

Through a description and comparison of standards for evaluation and criteria for judging naturalistic inquires some potential conflicts in using naturalistic methods are identified. Analysis of problems suggests that compromises in the use of evaluation standards and criteria for naturalistic procedures are usually necessary. (Author/JAZ)

The author argues that inherent in supervision is professional development, which can be divided into the related tasks of staff development, informal observations, rating, and individual development. (CH)

One approach to rebuilding public confidence in schools is to establish a visiting program for parents and patrons. This article describes a one-day "accreditation visit" program in Colorado that asks parents to observe classes, assess school climate, and make suggestions for school improvement. (MLH)

Describes two types of feedback (explicit and implicit) in the responses of four mothers to their two-year-old children and investigates whether these mothers respond differentiallly to their children's well-formed and ill-formed utterances with either type of feedback. Results demonstrate that a high proportion of maternal responses qualify as…

Music teachers are often evaluated solely in terms of classroom management skills and assembly programs. This article suggests observable, measurable ways for principals to assess elementary music teaching--contingent on children's demonstrable enjoyment and understanding of music. Paul Lehman adds eight reasons for music education, including…

Presents an in-class activity which uses videotaped television shows to teach time sampling, event sampling, and trait rating techniques. Students responded favorably to this activity, and many reported that it increased their understanding of the different observation techniques. (Author/JDH)

This paper critically reviews studies of administrator work activities which follow the work of Henry Mintzberg (1973), concentrating on these shortcomings of the method: (1) procedural difficulties in coding; (2) design limitations of classifying activities; (3) inadequate testing of Mintzberg's hypotheses; and (4) failure to explore antecedents…

Describes the development of a nonparticipant observer role in research on youthful drug use. While dual functions of research and interventionist complemented each other, they presented personal role conflicts that had to be resolved. By assuming the role of nonparticipant in the deviant behavior itself, the researcher could avoid many dilemmas.…

Much of the responsibility for measuring teacher competency rests with teacher educators. Instead of developing new observation inventories, educators should use available ones. This article describes instruments used at the University of Toledo's competency-based teacher education program since 1979 and suggests they are broad enough to be used…

The effectance motivation of 624 sixth graders was assessed on the basis of two measures completed by teachers. Student were also observed for their choice of hard and easy problems after being informed of contingencies based on the correctness of solutions. (Author/CI)

The formative evaluation of an experimental French class is described; several common evaluative techniques and their specific findings for this class are discussed; and the use of the formative approach for evaluation of innovative second language instruction is supported. (MSE)

The potential of two-way television as an instructional medium was examined through observations of presentations by medical faculty. The study found that similar teaching strategies were used in conventional classrooms and in two-way television mediated lessons. Detailed study results are offered. (Author/DF)