The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in perceptions of a black and a white female observer relative to verbal and nonverbal behaviors exhibited by black and white (male and female) teachers toward black and white (male and female) students. A study conducted by Crump (1974) provided the baseline data for comparison. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were established in the baseline study and in the present study. Each observer (a black female and a white female) independently categorized and analyzed teacher verbal and nonverbal behaviors using the French and Galloway IDER matrix which allows simultaneous classification of verbal (indirect or direct) and nonverbal (encouraging or restricting) behaviors. Findings in this study indicate that while both observers appeared to have heard the same thing in the verbal communication interaction, there were extensive differences in what each saw in the nonverbal message. In conclusion, studies regarding communication patterns of different cultures should consider systematic observation techniques that are culturally unbiased, and results that reflect multi-ethnic perceptions. (Author/PCB)