The suitability of MECORS (B) as a classroom observation tool with Year 1 (Age 5)

Abstract

The proposed study asks “Is MECORS (B) suitable as a classroom observation tool for administration with a Maltese primary school Year 1 environment?” Said (2006, 2013) has already confirmed a local version as to the suitability, reliability and validity of Muijs and Reynolds (2000) MECORS (A) and (B) within Year 2 classes for mathematics’ lessons. However, this does not imply that the integrity and suitability of MECORS (B) as a classroom observation tool, even with regards to the same area of mathematics, will travel, as is, from Year 2 to Year 1 classroom environments. To evaluate the suitability of the MECORS (B) as 5-point rating scale regarding the quality of teacher behaviours in Year 1, classroom observations were carried out in thirteen Year 1 classes of a particular college in Malta. The author observed the classroom environment and rated the 57 items in MECORS (B) for the local context. In line with a similar process conducted by Said (2006, 2013) an updated version of MECORS (B), one that is more suitable for use in Year 1 classes, culminates this research project.