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Choosing observation techniques

When you have decided what you will be observing for, this chart will help you choose the best observational technique.

Focus	Technique
Student involvement	Verbal flow At task Sampling Overview/scripting Tally marks
Individualized instruction	Class traffic Sampling Overview/scripting Tally marks
Levels of student thinking	Selective verbatim Overview/scripting Tally marks
Teacher talk/behavior	Selective verbatim Overview/scripting Tally marks
Classroom climate	Verbal flow Selective verbatim At task Sampling Overview/scripting Tally marks

Primary Reference: Acheson, K., & Gall, M. (1992). Techniques in the clinical supervision of teachers (2nd ed.). New York: Longman.

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