Both quantitative and qualitative classroom observation are classroom observation, which is a professional activity to record, analyze and study the operation of the classroom through observation, and on this basis, to seek the improvement of students' classroom learning and promote the development of teachers. It plays an important role in improving students' classroom learning, promoting teachers' professional development and forming a school cooperative culture. The conclusion of quantitative classroom observation is more accurate and detailed, but a set of quantitative and structured recording methods must be prepared in advance. In this recording system, the types of observed behaviors or events, the observed objects and the observed time units are clearly defined. Quantitative observation puts forward strict requirements for rigor, objectivity and value neutrality of observation and research in order to obtain objective facts. Usually, the phenomenon of education and teaching is explained in the form of data, the theory is predicted by deduction, and then the expected model, hypothesis or theory before research is evaluated or verified by collecting data and evidence. Quantitative research is based on a kind of basic research called "transcendental theory", which is a top-down process from the transcendental thought of researchers.

Qualitative classroom observation means that researchers record the observed objects in detail according to the rough outline of observation in class, and make necessary retrospective supplements and improvements according to the memories after observation. It allows researchers to have a comprehensive grasp of the research object, and can observe the reasons, attitudes, efforts and decision-making basis of the observed actions. Through participation, researchers can get the feelings of a member in a specific social situation, so they can understand the action more comprehensively. Then the data obtained through observation and interview are gradually transformed from concrete to abstract by induction, and even form a theory. But not as accurate as quantitative observation. Contrary to quantitative research, qualitative research is based on "well-founded theory". The theory formed in this way is produced from the association between many different evidences collected, which is a bottom-up process.