The author asserts that effective teachers are far more critical to school effectiveness than innovations in school organization, facilities, or curriculum. He reviews some studies on the characteristics of effective teachers to suggest criteria for identifying and evaluating effective teachers. He urges schools to invest in teacher proficiency.…

Alternative approaches to the evaluation of teacher cognition are compared in this review, which identifies five such approaches: direct, noninferential assessment of teacher beliefs; contextual analyses of teachers' descriptive language; taxonomies for assessing self-reflection and metacognition; multimethod evaluations of pedagogical content…

Discussed is the use of student perception instruments in the evaluation of teachers and teaching. The development and testing of an instrument is presented. An example of feedback to science student teachers from this instrument is given. (CW)

Presents a case for the development of new criteria for evaluating distance-learning instruction. Discusses elements of effective teaching and possible adaptations of those elements with regard to distance-learning situations. Contains 38 references. (SV)

Humor is an important tool for the teacher in college classrooms. Generally, laughter is a great benefit in anyone's life, having even physiological influence. Laughter reduces stress and may facilitate creativity. However, the use of humor can both enhance and hinder the learning process. Various researchers have tried to identify structures,…

Teachers' knowledge of effective use of time research can be examined via a paper/pencil test; however, the degree to which teachers used the identified effective practices can only be observed and recorded. What is proposed here is an objective observation of teaching practices. Based upon research findings, criterion levels would be established…

A conceptual framework is developed to consider two dimensions of evaluation systems likely to lead performers to internalize the evaluation process. The theory of evaluation and authority developed by Dornbusch and Scott provides the basis for a review of six studies in support of two propositions: (1) the more frequently performers are…

The status, roles, and functions of those involved in the supervision of teachers were studied, with attention to observation, evaluation, counseling, and inservice programs. The evolution of the supervisory role from 1850 to the present was traced, and probable future changes were predicted. The components of supervision as reported in the…

This paper explores the common elements identified as context variables that may effect student evaluation of instruction, and presents literature from sociology, anthropology, and linguistics that offers renewed challenges to researchers in this area of data interpretation. The common context variables that are seen as effecting student…

Building level staff evaluation strategies for the purpose of improving instruction are presented. First, the philosophies of formative and summative evaluation are described. Formative evaluation is a nonjudgmental process, and summative evaluation provides for judgment with performance improvement recommendations. Next, six anxiety-reducing…

A discussion of the purposes and effectiveness of faculty evaluation is presented. Topics of discussion include the purposes of faculty evaluation, the importance of clarity of purpose, and whether or not faculty evaluation results in more productive faculty. Ten guidelines for faculty evaluation programs are listed as follows: make sure the…

The first four articles of the Spring, 1981 issue of this journal focus on aspects of vocabulary instruction in elementary schools. The first article provides teachers with a sourcebook for teaching vocabulary. Weaknesses in vocabulary instruction and specific activities for developing vocabulary in depth, including questioning strategies,…

Selected references are compiled in a short bibliography on college and university teaching improvement and evaluation. Material is classified under the following headings: instructional objectives; analysis of performance of teaching acts; instructional techniques; teaching research and development; learning, curriculum and instruction; student…

Research on teacher evaluation and teacher effectiveness indicates that there are serious problems with the reliability of presage, process, and product findings. Quality in teaching can best be assessed by measuring process in the classroom and by using observation instruments which record the occurrence of specific, well-defined behaviors. (PP)

Documents in the ERIC database which bear on teacher evaluation in the 1980s are cited. References deal with subjects such as evaluation criteria and methods, the validity of various measurement techniques, state policies, teacher attitudes, and who should evaluate teachers. (PP)