Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
11:29
Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
9.7K
The Classroom Discourse Observation Protocol (CDOP): A quantitative method for characterizing teacher discourse moves
Petra Kranzfelder1,2, Jennifer L Bankers-Fulbright3, Marcos E García-Ojeda2
1Department of Biology Teaching and Learning, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America.
Plos One
|July 18, 2019
Summary
A new tool, the Classroom Discourse Observation Protocol (CDOP), quantifies teacher discourse moves (TDMs) in undergraduate STEM classes. This instrument helps assess and improve STEM teaching practices.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education Research
- Classroom Discourse Analysis
Background:
- Teacher discourse moves (TDMs) are crucial for mediating classroom discussions in undergraduate STEM education.
- Existing observation protocols may not adequately capture the nuances of TDMs in active learning environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new instrument, the Classroom Discourse Observation Protocol (CDOP), for quantifying TDMs.
- To provide a reliable method for characterizing instructor discursive practices in undergraduate STEM classrooms.
Main Methods:
- An inductive-deductive coding process was used to identify TDMs among biology instructors.
- The CDOP coding scheme and matrix were developed to reliably characterize TDMs in 2-min intervals.
- The protocol was validated for use in undergraduate STEM learning environments.
Main Results:
- The CDOP reliably quantifies TDMs from observational data in undergraduate STEM classrooms.
- The protocol demonstrated the ability to discriminate between different instructor discursive practices.
- Sample qualitative and quantitative results illustrate the utility of the CDOP.
Conclusions:
- The Classroom Discourse Observation Protocol (CDOP) is a validated instrument for measuring teacher discourse moves (TDMs).
- CDOP can be used to assess and improve STEM instructional practices in higher education.
- This tool offers a reliable method for analyzing classroom discourse in STEM education.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Observational Learning
854
Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning...
854
02:30Naturalistic Observations
17.0K
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
17.0K
01:14Avoidance Learning and Learned Helplessness
2.5K
Avoidance learning and learned helplessness are critical concepts in understanding behavioral responses to negative stimuli.
Avoidance learning occurs when an organism learns that a specific behavior can prevent an unpleasant outcome. For example, a student who receives a bad grade may start studying harder to avoid future poor grades. This behavior persists even when the negative outcome is no longer present. Avoidance learning is powerful because it maintains behavior in the absence of the...
Avoidance learning occurs when an organism learns that a specific behavior can prevent an unpleasant outcome. For example, a student who receives a bad grade may start studying harder to avoid future poor grades. This behavior persists even when the negative outcome is no longer present. Avoidance learning is powerful because it maintains behavior in the absence of the...
2.5K
01:23Actor-Observer Effect
356
The actor-observer effect, a cognitive bias closely linked to the fundamental attribution error, refers to the tendency for individuals to attribute their behavior to external, situational factors while explaining others’ behavior in terms of internal, dispositional traits. This asymmetry in attribution significantly influences social perception and judgment.Cognitive Mechanisms Behind the EffectTwo primary psychological mechanisms contribute to the actor-observer effect: differences in...
356
01:11Observational Studies
10.7K
Observational studies are a type of analytical study where researchers observe events without any interventions. In other words, the researcher does not influence the response variable or the experiment's outcome.
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
10.7K
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
1.1K
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
1.1K