Toward a Technology of Teacher Observation in Special Education Personnel Preparation

Abstract

Observational systems can yield important information on a student teacher's performance. However, many observational systems may not be based upon reliable observation and recording procedures. Thus, it is possible that information regarding student teacher performance may be inaccurate. The present study investigated an observation instrument designed to assess student teacher performance. Two methods were used to examine interobserver agreement: (a) point-by-point and (b) kappa. The degree of reliable data on student teacher performance collected across the duration of the study (6 weeks) was reported. Analysis of the data revealed differences in mean levels of agreement were obtained for each method. The results were discussed in terms of selecting measures that provide indices of reliability as well as useful data on student teacher performance.