Discourse or conversation analysis represents a new direction for understanding the nature of social interaction during the supervisory (or peer) instructional conference. Discourse analysis may be a key to mechanisms involved in institutional management and individual improvement. Supervisors cannot assume that successful conferences necessarily…

Using transcriptions of audio- and videotaped conferences from local schools and individual settings, this article examines the claim that face-threatening acts committed during supervisor-teacher interactions, particularly the postobservation instructional conference, determine the politeness levels of both supervisor and teacher. The case study…

In a study of 29 aspiring administrators from the University of Colorado preparation program, only 10 percent demonstrated adequate instructional conferencing abilities. Identified problems included underanalysis, poorly focused strategizing, lack of reflective discussion, and failure to pursue the conference objective. Recommendations and…