Student feedback in the form of traditional discussions, examinations, and student rating with numerical and open-ended questions, as well as television tapings and peer feedback, are examined to see their effectiveness on improving teacher performance. Self-directed evaluations are also considered, as well as the teachers' personal reactions to…

The five studies reported in this journal were undertaken by classroom English teachers to encourage teachers to conduct and read educational research, and to generate curiosity about recent research in the teaching of English. Articles are (1) "Can Teachers Ignore Mechanical Errors in Composition?"; (2) "What Do Freshmen and Sophomores Like to…

To determine the effectiveness of three remote techniques of in-service teacher education for three selected teaching skills, a sample of 39 beginning vocational teachers was randomly selected and assigned to one of three equal size treatment groups. All participants video-taped a 5-minute lesson, and were instructed to view an instructional…

The author calls for a tough national teacher examination to make teaching a genuine profession, to convince the public to pay teachers what they're worth, to empower teachers to make educational decision, to attract the best and brightest, and to ensure high quality education. Problems and prospects are discussed. (BS)

Behind a simple equation, 2 + 2, lies a rich yet realistic approach to enhancing teaching and learning. As this book demonstrates, the current method of job appraisal consists of sporadic classroom visits from school administrators that frequently serve to reinforce teacher isolation rather than promote professional development. In contrast, the 2…

This book provides an approach to professional development that moves beyond traditional notions of inservice education and staff development. Collegial coaching is premised on the notion that the impetus for improving instruction originates within individual teachers. There are 16 chapters in three parts. Part 1, "Theory," includes: (1)…

The project described in this digest was designed with the belief that teacher professional growth can best be fostered through sustained collaborative inquiry between teachers and researchers. It set out to incorporate what is known about quality professional development with the special features necessary for meeting the needs of English…

Teacher self-improvement is a concept that can be used as part of a school's program for professional development and teacher evaluation. Methods for helping teachers evaluate their own performances, for obtaining feedback from students and colleagues, for designing self-improvement programs, and for monitoring progress are described. (PP)

Two central aspects of the teacher-testing movement are addressed: (1) assumptions that form the basis for the prescription that teachers should be tested; and (2) the various domains in which testing might take place. Recommendations for teacher education institutions concerning appropriate use of competency testing are given. (PP)

Study examined expectations, in an idealized sense, that students and faculty might carry into a college course. Student and faculty responses to items on an evaluation questionnaire were compared. Faculty and students agree on the value of communication skills, but they differ on the value of intellectual and practical outcomes. (RM)

An interview with Robert Garmston, California State University professor, details the cognitive coaching model for supervision or peer coaching of principals, department heads, and teachers. The model is based on the principles that all people can change and therefore develop intellectually, and that teacher performance is based on decision-making…

In four years, the Medicine Hat Teacher Supervision and Evaluation Project has evolved from centrally planned innovation into an integral part of the district's internal organization, enabling teachers and administrators to pursue educational change and professional development and receive recognition in a climate of rising expectations, trust,…

Research on what is known about the use of collaborative performance appraisal to enhance the professional growth of teachers was reviewed, and a survey was conducted of the views of 152 administrators and teacher supervisors about collaborative performance assessment. Alternatives for policy and practice suggested by the findings are discussed.…

The direction provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics'"Professional Teaching Standards," in the section on evaluating-teaching standards, is considered with respect to the issues of context, the definition of good teaching, and the link between mathematics and pedagogy. (MDH)

Extended the application of student evaluations of college faculty by using them as the basis for staff development. Staff and student surveys examined each group's priorities for academic and course development. Significant differences were found between the two groups' perceptions. Collaborative student-staff groups developed booklets using…