In the past decade, there has been important progress in the development and validation of video-based instruments that enable the systematic assessment of teaching competence with large samples of teachers, across multiple settings and populations, and by researchers other than the developers. This commentary focuses on the methodological…

Draws an analogy between teaching and theatrical performance by analyzing the criteria essential for evaluating both: setting, structure, form, content, presentation, style of the performer/teacher, and communicative skills. (CAM)

Three decades later, a former student of Julian Marias is prompted to praise his teaching methods and talents as she respectfully remembers his wisdom and wit, his friendly and enthusiastic attitudes towards his students, and his perception and insights into society's problems--all qualities which have been absorbed and maintained by his students…

Raises for consideration a number of critical questions concerning the value of peer evaluation of teaching effectiveness, methods of conducting peer evaluations, and their proper use in personnel decisions. Blind acceptance of peer evaluations should be challenged by university faculty, particularly by instructors still subject to decisions on…

This second of two articles on questioning strategies and skills explores for principals evaluating teaching the characteristics of good questions, to dos and don'ts in questioning, and the research on questioning. (CJH)

This paper argues that during the past two decades, research on teaching effectiveness can be identified with three differing paradigms: (1) the technical/"scientific"; (2) the humanistic; and (3) the person-centered paradigms. It is further proposed that if teaching is viewed as an art or craft and learning as an ever present process,…

The complexities of defining successful schooling, along with other elusive factors such as teaching styles, pose problems for teacher evaluation. Teaching requires more than the ability to perform skills according to a preset formula; it involves making decisions which combine judgment with performance of skills. (PP)

Critiques a study comparing National Board for Professional Teaching Standards-certified teachers with those who were unsuccessful in their efforts. Results found that National Board Certification made a difference. This paper suggests that after considerable cost and time, the fundamental question remains unanswered: is the National Board's…

The teacher education profession must develop a program to assess essential elements of professional knowledge comprising a teacher education curricula so that institutions can prepare teachers who can demonstrate that they have gained an acceptable mastery of cognitive and affective learning. (Author/CB)

Reports results of an experiment using peer observation of teachers as part of the evaluation process. The study indicates that a large number of evaluators will produce fair and just evaluations of their peers, with any kind of bias leveling out. Thus, by implication, a small evaluation team could be dangerous. Discusses the improbability of…

In order to attract and retain the best teachers and scholars, SUNY-Stony Brook has redefined its faculty evaluation process. Instead of weighing teachers' individual accomplishments such as publishing, a greater focus is directed toward their teaching skills, an area directly linked to the quality of undergraduate education.

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)

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)

Argues against mechanistic models of teacher evaluation and proposes an organic model based on Dewey's principles. Asserts that teaching, as an art, should be approached as experience and create a dynamic, ordered, aesthetic, and moral environment. Views the teacher's fundamental role as unchanged by technological advances. (WL)

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.…