Taking a “Whole” Classroom Perspective: Theorizing Classroom Typologies Using a Video-Based Observational Protocol

Abstract

Inspired by a “whole child” framing, the current study takes a “whole classroom” perspective to consider classroom practice. Study aims included: (1) presenting a systematic video-based observational coding strategy to concurrently consider practice domains that have implications for learning—cognitive instruction, classroom management, and teacher–student relational interactions; (2) identifying distinct and interrelated classroom typologies based upon this coding strategy. The framework was developed through coding and analysis of 58 purposively sampled urban 4th–9th grade classrooms from the Measures of Effective Teaching study. Analyses revealed three overarching typologies: task-focused (52%), low stimulation (43%), and optimal (5%). We conclude by discussing implications for urban education.