Postmodernists have criticized modern conceptions of supervision as bureaucratic, hierarchical, and oppressive. This paper asserts that the postmodern proclivity to completely eschew expert supervision, evaluation, and judicious use of directive supervision is misguided, potentially limiting, and dangerous. The paper argues that collegial…

Contrasts the view of teaching as a technical reality with the view of teaching as reflective practice and examines the purposes of supervision from both perspectives. Reviews literature on reflection in teaching and empirical research on instructional supervision to promote reflective teaching. (TE)

The field of instructional supervision in schools has a history of being misunderstood and devalued, having been beset by problems of definition and purpose. This paper examines the history of supervision and its ties with educational administration, and describes implications for supervision and administration. There is a history of tension…

Explicates four types of teacher competence (technical, clinical, personal, and critical) as they might relate to supervision. Examines the levels of comprehensiveness and complexity within each of the competence domains. Illustrates approaches to supervisory practice within these domains. Includes 2 extensive tables and 94 footnotes. (IW)

Extending research findings that strong administrative leadership is the most important influence on a school system, this paper argues that improved leadership, aided by models of leadership style and behavior, can improve instructional effectiveness. Because a significant correlation has been found between teachers' behavior and student…

Principals are expected to be instructional leaders but generally lack the time and training to assume such a role. Several theories and research studies suggest alternative views of the principal's role in providing instructional leadership. Ethnographic studies of principals show that principals spend little time on evaluation, instruction, and…

Explains why and how organizational development can be effective at improving performance and job satisfaction in schools and maintains that the person most likely to apply it effectively is the instructional supervisor. (JM)

Identifies sources of anxiety in live counseling supervision. Offers six guidelines for minimizing anxiety: (1) negotiate clear training contract; (2) match method to supervise developmental stage; (3) directly address anxiety and fear; (4) develop collaborative supervisory attitude; (5) create positive evaluative focus; and (6) encourage…

In this paper on the use of teachers as reflective users of peer clinical supervision, a research and literature review relating to the assumptions of clinical supervision, fostering reflective practice through clinical supervision, and the special potential of peer clinical supervision is presented. Then, a personal account of a beginning…

The impact of faith on individuals has been described in research for many years, yet counseling programs often do not address issues of spirituality. Little has been documented about how to integrate spirituality and religious issues into counseling programs and practices. In an attempt to address the need for more discussion on issues of…

From an organizational perspective, this paper synthesizes research on instructional leadership at the secondary level to provide principals with useful school management models to overcome obstacles to effective supervision. In addition, this paper analyzes the properties of secondary schools that shape principals' work; reviews their daily…

Offers tips for supervising teachers and teaching based on the assumption that good teaching is an art rather than a science.

Identifies common characteristics among high-performing principals in their organizational context. These include a combination of personal vision, information sensing and analytic skills, and interpersonal skills, which collectively generate a schoolwide commitment to a common set of values. (TE)

Argues that effective supervision requires the ability to acquire skills in a variety of areas, to select those appropriate to a task, and to use them in concert. Discusses a number of skills necessary for good supervision. (FL)

The neglect of the study of pedagogy in teacher education programs is discussed. Excessive emphasis has been placed on the instruction of theory in the preparation of teachers. The practical application of general teaching skills and their effective application to practice is the central element in the study of pedagogy. (JN)