Observational Research in U.S. Classrooms

Classroom observation methods based on knowledge about effective education for linguistically and ethnically diverse students.

This book presents classroom observation instruments and methods that are based on current knowledge about effective education for linguistically and ethnically diverse students. Also presented are examples of research studies in which these instruments have been used, as well as substantive research findings.The present national reform agendas stress that rigorous content and high expectations be accessible to all students, including students from groups whose achievement has traditionally lagged behind that of the majority culture students. Improving the achievement in US schools, important for both social and economic stability, will require that instruction be responsive to our nation's increasingly diverse student population. This book includes theoretical frameworks as well as substantive research findings and provides examples of recently developed classroom observation instruments based on research of effective teaching practices for culturally and linguistically diverse students. Each chapter represents a new aspect of classroom observation research that will assist educators in their endeavors to improve US schools.