Observational instruments are receiving broad attention as measures of gauging the quality of interactions within formal educational settings (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2012). Scores from observations are used as critical pieces of information in the evaluation of teachers for purposes of making employment-related decisions and supporting professional development. Given the potential high-stakes use, a large body of research is emerging to address the validity of observation instruments as assessments of quality (Gitomer & Bell, in press). Using this research base, this paper focuses primarily on the lessons learned from observational methods used in formal education and considers implications for the use of such methods in informal science education.
Associated Projects
TEAM MEMBERS
Citation
If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.