Observation

narrative observation

1. Describes only observable actions - no motives, attitudes, feelings 2. Is nonevaluative - does not include why something happened - does not imply that what happened is good, bad, right, wrong - does not include judgments or conclusions

purpose of a structured observation technique, such as a time sample, checklist, or rating scale

A structured observation is designed to help teachers quickly learn something specific about a child in order to make a referral or work on a problem. All help teachers to gather information that will help them to know if their impressions of children's behavior and ability are accurate

Difference between a running record and an anecdotal record

An anecdotal record is brief and describes a single incident while a running record is a detailed description of everything a particular child does and says. An anecdotal record is a brief narrative describing behaviors and interactions written after the fact. Teachers write an anecdotal record after they have observed something they want to remember. For this reason, anecdotal records are written in the past tense.

Assessment has three interconnected components.

Assessment involves collecting information, interpreting that information, and then using the information to make choices about teaching.

Observation is a process with three parts: observing, recording, and interpreting

Consciously watching and listening The first and most essential step in the observation process is to consciously watch and listen so that you see and hear what is really happening, and work toward being an objective observer.

Objective

Description of observable actions that is nonevaluative. Example: There was a of about 50 people in front of the museum.

Subjective

Descriptions are influenced by your opinions, past personal experiences, and background. Example: There was an impatient crowd of about 50 people waiting endlessly to enter the museum.

What belongs in a written observation?

Detailed, precise description of what was observed A good written observation gives specific, relevant details about what was seen and heard including the words children used. It does not include words that reflect your feelings, expectations, or opinions. Nor does it include guesses about what the child might have felt, wished, or intended or specific details of children's clothing.

Authentic Assessment

Genuine • Assessment based on what children do while engaged in everyday activities , including self-selected play, teacher-directed activities, routines, and transitions

Because No two people will see a child in identical way therefore we must????

Observe intentionally and objectively • Share observations among team members and with families

Why is Portfolio Assessment preferred in early childhood programs

Portfolio assessment is preferred in early childhood programs because a portfolio presents a picture of an individual child and what the child knows and can do. It is a logical extension of the observational approaches traditionally used in early childhood programs allowing teachers to evaluate whether and to what degree a child has acquired skills, knowledge, and dispositions over time.

Which of the following is an example of a good narrative observation?

The first example is objective, it tells what the observer sees, and is specific and gives clear details. The others are subjective, they include the writer's ideas and beliefs and do not include clear, specific descriptions of what was observed.

primary purpose of assessment in an early childhood program

The most important reason to assess young children in early childhood programs is so that teachers can create programs and learning opportunities that meet children's needs.

work sample

Work samples (children's drawings, paintings, cutting, writing, journals, dictated stories, maps, computer work, word banks, and so forth) serve as a tangible form of authentic assessment. They are work of significance that shows a child's growing ability and understanding.

Observation Tools

• Narrative observations - Running records - Anecdotal records • Checklists • Time samples • Event samples • Rating scales • Rubrics