The paper presents a synthesis and review of the literature in education, psychology, and organizational behavior relevant to the effects of feedback used with postsecondary teachers to improve their teaching. It is concluded that most people will change their behavior if: the feedback recipients are volunteers; a consultant mediates the feedback;…

The study at hand endeavors to better match the aims of teacher evaluation with teacher development perspectives. A framework of comprehensive evaluation aims is rationalized and current models of teacher development are outlined and critiqued. The two areas of research (evaluation and teacher growth) are then correlated. A bracketing of the…

Public opinion polls show that most Americans (including a majority of teachers) favor merit pay for teachers. Teachers' and administrators' organizations generally oppose merit pay because there is no fair way to evaluate teachers and because the merit pay issue diverts attention from the fact that all teachers are underpaid. A review of recent…

Although relatively few studies exist, a review of the research reveals some common characteristics of an effective music teacher. Effective music teachers tend to be extroverted, enthusiastic, and care sincerely for their students. Such teachers are competent in musicianship (particularly in diagnosing and correcting musical errors and in using…

As part of the Research-Based Training for School Administrators Project at the University of Oregon, this scripted material was prepared for use by school administrators giving presentations in Project Leadership workshops. Project Leadership uses networking and administrator-led workshops to disseminate research results and state-of-the-art…

Teacher effectiveness research has used changing criteria over the years in assessing and evaluating teacher performance and its effect on student achievement. Early researchers accepted the idea that there should be a relationship between the personality or traits of the teacher and student outcomes. Lists of characteristics of superior teachers…

After a review of literature on teacher attitudes about teacher evaluation, an assessment was made of secondary school teacher attitudes toward their evaluations and the changes they would like to have made in evaluation procedures. Results of a questionnaire, responded to by 40 teachers, revealed: (1) The more years of teaching experience a…

A review of past methods of observing teacher behavior is presented, with comment on the relative effectiveness of each method provided. A research model using videotape recording of teachers' in-classroom behavior is suggested, and information given concerning the current use of similar methods of observation. (LH)

Thirty elementary school principals in a large urban school system were interviewed. They identified a pattern of strategies for identifying, managing, and possibly dismissing, borderline incompetent teachers. (LHW)

Reviews practices related to professional growth and development from teacher training programs, business, and higher education and proposes a model applicable for the professional growth and development of teachers. (FL)

Findings and research designs used to study university students' evaluations of teaching effectiveness are reviewed. A construct validation approach which recognizes the multidimensionality of both effective teaching and students' evaluations is recommended for further research. (BS)

This article presents a conceptual framework for examining the design and implementation of teacher evaluation processes in school organizations. Research on teaching, organizational behavior, and policy implementation suggests that different educational and organizational theories underlie various teacher evaluation models. (Author/BW)

In an interview, Barbara Koppman, a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and curriculum writer, expresses her opinions on professional standards, teacher morale, teacher evaluation, the use of master teachers, professional organizations for teachers, teacher image in the media, and the school's role in solving social problems. (JN)

The authors highlight some of the findings of their forthcoming book, "Open Plan Schools: Teaching, Curriculum, and Design," which will evaluate open plan schools in England. These schools now comprise over 10 percent of all primary schools. (KC)

The central task of the teacher is to accomplish tasks that will result in pupil learning. Research on the effects that certain competencies have on teacher behavior and student academic achievement is needed. (CJ)