Purpose: To present a framework to facilitate comprehension of research on the effectiveness of the teaching evaluation process. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive review of the literature that identifies common categories and factors that can be used to construct an analytical framework. Findings: Identifies student related, course…

The Computerized Observation System (COS) is a software program which an observer can use with a portable microcomputer to document preservice and inservice teacher performance. Specific observable behavior such as appropriate questions and responses shown to increase student achievement are recorded as Low Inference Observation Measures. Time on…

A multiphasic plan to improve lecture effectiveness which centers on teaching behaviors that can facilitate the learning process is described. Lectures were evaluated based on the inclusion of behaviors such as objectives, advance organizers, questioning, wait-time, and use of teaching aids. Included are the results and a discussion. (KR)

Although college faculty may hesitate to evaluate each others' teaching, it is a sensible alternative to evaluation by students or by administrators. Peer evaluations are not only useful for improving teaching, but also affect promotion and tenure decisions. When faculty are rated by observation, repeated visits and rater training are required in…

Reports results of a study of the ways in which undergraduate and graduate music majors evaluated the teaching methods of graduate associate music instructors. Reports that evaluators gave instructors high marks for characteristics including enthusiasm, interest in the student, and patience. Concludes that untrained evaluators can reliably analyze…

This book presents seven essays on evaluation in higher education. In "Threats and Opportunities of Evaluation in Higher Education" Roeland in't Veld sets the policy frameworks for increased emphasis on evaluation. In "Institutional Evaluation: The Role of the Main Actors in Higher Education" Andre Staropoli describes the roles of the forces which…

Presents six letters discussing various aspects of a discussion on restructuring teachers' salaries in the Soviet Union. Considers such questions as who should determine skill level, evaluation criteria for the innovator, cost of living, and differences in school quality. (DK)

Presents a brief history of teacher education in Great Britain and ways that academic study and practical experience evolved into reflective teaching. Notes that the relective model rests on the basic assumption that teachers have autonomy in their decision making. Claims the Education Reform Act of 1988 is an attack on professional autonomy. (NL)

Offers conclusions of research examining the U.S. history knowledge of 263 elementary education majors. Reports poor performance for the students. Suggests that the students have a greater understanding of more recent historical events than of earlier U.S. history. Argues that knowledge of history is essential in understanding the world and…

Reports on a study of the impact of student evaluations of higher education economics instructors on faculty behavior and grades. Finds that initially grades increased but then declined over a nine-year period. Recommends further research on this issue. (CFR)

Provides an overview of the literature on teacher effectiveness and lists characteristics defined by such research. Examines the extent to which music education researchers have used the process-product paradigm and identifies the implications of this paradigm for professionals. Summarizes the findings of the results obtained from this research.…

Reports on a study of 5,000 student evaluations of teachers (SETs) and their relationship to the final grades the students received in introductory economics classes. Finds that there is little relationship between the rating of instructors and the grades received by students in their classes. Recommends that colleges and universities explore…

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;…

Issues concerning students' evaluation of college faculty are discussed. Several views of this process are presented. Having identified relevant variables or paradigms, possible relationships between the variables can be studied (models and theories). The assumptions underlying these paradigms include the following: that students have a right and…

This paper is limited in scope to the preliminary questions that must be asked about a single instrument before one can use students' impressions of their teachers as part of any diagnostic or evaluation process. The described analysis is intended as illustrative of the kinds of questions that should be obtained to demonstrate the reliability and…