The Development of a Classroom Observation Instrument Relevant to the Earth Science Curriculum

A classroom observation instrument was developed for investigating teacher and student behaviors associated with the maintenance of an inquiry atmosphere where Earth Science Curriculum Project materials are used as a course of study. This instrument was later used in ESCP classrooms to determine its reliability and usefulness in describing teacher and student philosophy and objectives. Teacher and student behaviors were grouped into four major categories consistent with situations expected to occur in ESCP classes, i.e., developing text materials, pre-laboratory, laboratory, and post-laboratory discussion. Seven judges, selected from a list of ESCP writers and trial teachers, were asked to rate each item as (1) consistent with ESCP, (2) neutral, or (3) inconsistent with ESCP. Classroom observations based on the instrument developed for this study were made of six ninth-grade ESCP teachers in three junior high schools. The results of the study were analyzed to describe teachers relative to ESCP and to develop ideas for future research. (BR) NP11111111 OF NUM. MUNN IBM WW1 Of 8111011011 CSJ nes gamut ls MI MOWED MOT IS wove F1O