Operational Definitions (McDaniel & Mitchell, 2015)

Teacher Verbal Feedback Statements

Pre-correct Statements General Praise Statements Specific Praise Corrective Non-specific Corrective
Statements Statements Statements

Definition: Definition: Definition: Definition: Definition:

Prior to/before any The teacher provides a The teacher The teacher indicates The teacher indicates to an
demonstration of behavior positive or affirming comment gives a positive to an individual individual student, a small
the teacher provides a to an individual student, a or affirming student, a small group group of students, or to the
verbal reminder to an small group of students, or to comment to an of students, or to the whole class that a behavior
individual student, a small the whole class but does not individual whole class that a was incorrect through
group of students or to the indicate a specific behavior student, a small behavior was incorrect redirection or consequence
whole class indicating that led to the remark. group of through redirection, or but does NOT specifically
expected behavior. students, or to consequence AND state or indicate what is
the whole class explicitly tells what is expected instead.
AND expected instead
specifically and/or provides an
indicates a immediate practice
behavior that opportunity. Does not
was include corrective
demonstrated. feedback regarding
academics.
Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:
“We are getting ready to “Great” “Thanks for “Bradley while I’m “Quit it”
line up, remember I need turning your teaching I need you in
you facing forward with “Super” assignment in your seat and listening. “Act like a 4th grader”
hands at your sides and on time, that is A better time to throw
voices off.” “Awesome” responsible of away your paper is “You know better than this.”
you.” when we leave the
“While we are working “Got it!” classroom for lunch.” “What do you think you are
today please stay seated. If “Excellent doing?”
you have a question you work, you are “Remember, I need
can check with a partner or following my you to stay in your seat “I can see that some of my
raise your hand and wait directions.” and raise your hand, friends still don’t know what
for me to come to you.” then I will get to you to do.”
“Thanks for as soon as I can.”
“Voice level zero please.” raising your “Think about your choices.”
hand and “Jacob, you are too
“If you want to respond waiting for me.” loud, whisper please.” “Is that a good choice right
during group discussions now?”
today please remember you “Elizabeth you “It’s hard for everyone
must raise your hand and are sticking with to concentrate when “Where do you need to be?”
wait for me to call on you.” your work even there is a lot of noise, I
when it’s hard, need Level 1 voices
this is a great please.”
way to be a
learner.”
Opportunities to Respond Opportunities to Respond
“Group” “Individual”
Definition: Definition:
Teacher provides verbal Teacher provides a verbal
questions, statements, or question or statement
signals regarding regarding instructional
instructional content to the content, or visual signal to a
whole class or small group specific student for a possible
for possible group response verbal or visual response.
or allowing one student in
the group to respond.

Examples: Examples:
“Who knows the capital “Johnny, can you tell me what
city of Indiana?” the next step in regrouping
is?”
“Can anyone tell me the
correct punctuation mark “Melissa, can you spell
for this sentence?” ‘vacation’ for us?”
 Student Behaviors

Actively Engaged Passively Engaged Off-Task Disruptions

Definition: Demonstrates active Definition: Definition:

The student is actively involved listening by keeping eyes The student is “off-task” Student displays behavior that does or
with the teacher’s on speaker and/or when one or more of the potentially could disrupt the lesson or
prompts/instruction when any of applicable materials. following occur: the learning of others:
the following behaviors occur
during the observation session: NOT actively speaking, (a) Not looking at the (a) Behaviors can be low intensity (out
responding, writing, or teacher while he/she of seat to sharpen pencil) or
(a) Uses materials necessary for raising hand to respond provides (b) high intensity (making derogatory
the assigned task when applicable instruction/directions. statements or destruction of property).
and according to teacher (b) Not looking at
instructions (e.g., pencil, marker, materials the teacher is
scissors, and popsicle-stick). using during instruction
(b) Makes motor responses (e.g., white board, smart
required for the assigned task board, and textbook).
(e.g., writing, typing, cutting) (c) Not working on the
when applicable and according to assigned task according
teacher instructions. to teacher instructions.
(c) Raises hand or verbally asks (d) Violating classroom
for assistance. rules (e.g., out of seat that
(d) Interacts with the teacher or was not required for
classmates about academic matters assigned task, talking out,
when applicable and according to disturbing others, or
teacher instructions. sleeping).
(e) Making comments to
teacher or peer that are
unrelated to the assigned
activity.

Examples: Examples: Examples: Examples:

The student is quietly reading a The student is looking at Talking to a peer without Talking or using cell phone.
book as assigned by the teacher the teacher while he/she permission
and is in the correct location is speaking. Argumentative, non-compliant, or
within the classroom. Out of seat without negative talk.
Reading a book or permission
The student is writing as assigned looking at notes silently. Out of seat without permission.
by the teacher and using Touching or looking at
appropriate materials. Eyes on whiteboard materials not related to Making noises that draw attention of
during instruction. instruction others.

The student is working as assigned Head down resting or Cursing or threatening comments.
by the teacher with a partner or sleeping
small group of other students Verbally refuses to complete work or
according to teacher given follow directions.
directions.
Tapping.