Observations of school learning 1

Observations were made in a number of classes ranging from grades 1 to 12, including teaching in a variety of school subjects. Purpose of the study was to explore and refine a method for observing the events which support (or fail to support) learning. Such events were considered to fall in the broad categories of those which (1) introduce learning; (2) guide initial learning; (3) make learning memorable and generalizable; and (4) provide reinforcement. The method is contrasted with those having the purpose of observing modes of instruction, teacher behaviors, or teacher characteristics.