Observation Methods
Discusses the characteristics of a good observer, and the four primary areas of observation: the program, the child's progress, the child's behavior and the teacher.
Goal: to learn basic observation methods to assess children's development as well as guiding teacher behavior
This mobile-friendly class is accessible on any device, including tablets and phones.
Chapter 1: The Observer
Training
As an observer one of the most valuable tools you have is your observations. Anobservation should be written in a way that any one viewing the same scene would describe it in that exact same way. Subjective comments are not part of the recorded observation.
Observer Training
To communicate observations effectively, observers should be trained to be:
- Objective
- Specific
- Accurate
Observers should be trained to be objective.
- Include only the facts about what happens.
- Record only what the child says and does.
- Do NOT label, judge or draw conclusions.
Observers should be trained to be specific.
- Record as much information as possible to present a clear picture
- Present the facts: Who? What? When? Where? How?
- Include details such as:
- the number of children and or adults
- where the observation is taking place
- words used by the children and adults
Observers must be trained to be accurate.
- Record words and actions directly in the order they happen
- Attempt to include direct quotes when possible
- Describe the activities from beginning to end
- Record only what was seen and heard
After completing this class, the student will be able to:
- describe the three keys to communicating observations effectively
- discuss what is to be observed in each of the five areas of the program
- list the three common ways to observe a child's progress
- identify the five steps of a functional assessment
- list the three steps when observing teachers