Transcript How to Conduct an Observation

How to Conduct an
Observation
Observations are like a video camera. They
record interactions, learning, playing, physical
surroundings, and teaching.
Questions to Consider??
► What
is the purpose of observing?
► What types of things are important to look
for?
► What is an inference?
► How is it different than a fact?
Objective Statements
1. Only observable actions; Not motives, attitudes,
or feelings
► 2. Don’t try to interpret why something happened;
No judgments, conclusions, or labels
►
Things to Observe
– physical
surroundings, room set-up,
diversity of decorations,
location of teacher’s desk,
centers, etc.
► Environment
Teacher
►
Tone of voice,
proximity to
children,
verbal/nonverbal
communication,
interactions, words,
appearance
Children
►
Interactions with others, nonverbal/verbal
communication
Inference
► Attempting
to explain observed behavior and give
it meaning.
► Why did child behave or react…
► What caused teacher to…
► No two people will interpret the facts the same
way. They infer based on their own personal
experiences, feelings, values, and attitudes.
Video Clip on Various
Observations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Xtr3RKjGc
Summary
► What
were your observations about the
environment?
► What were your observations of the
students?
► What difficulties did you encounter in
making the distinction between fact and
inference?