Choosing an Observational System

Choosing an Observational System

As a leader in the field of early childhood education, it is important that you understand principles of effective assessment and appropriate strategies for documenting what you are observing. The actual observing of children is fairly straightforward, but observation without documentation only provides a partial picture. It is the detailed records kept over time that reveal growth in many areas. “There are multiple published and unpublished classroom observation systems available for use, and deciding among them is the first step in putting an observational system to work in your organization” (Stuhlman, Hamre, Downer & Pianta, n.d., 2). For this assignment, you will model, in the form of a presentation, the depth of your understanding of each type of documentation technique. This includes not only the advantages and disadvantages of each, but also proper procedure and appropriate times to use each.

To prepare for this assignment, read How to Select the Right Classroom Observation Tool. (Links to an external site.) Then, consider the following scenario as a basis for your presentation:

With all of the focus surrounding assessment recently, as the leader in your organization, you have decided now is a good time to provide professional development on this topic for your staff. Your goal is to help your staff conduct more effective observations in their classrooms.

Your presentation should include the following, using PowerPoint

• Create a minimum of three learning objectives for your presentation. These objectives should guide your presentation and should be listed on the first slide.
• Summarize each observation tool your center or school uses, including but not limited to, anecdotal records, running records, time sampling, and event sampling.
• Describe how each observation type is used (for planning, etc.) and the benefits of each.
• Determine what ethical issues must be considered when using these tools. Cite specific examples from the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. (Links to an external site.)
• Explain how each observation type fits within the “High Priority Questions” from How to Select the Right Classroom Observation Tool (p. 2) and, thus, guides your decision-making process.
• Describe the specific areas of development each observation type is best suited for. Explain why.
• Explain how each observation type will assist with the identification of developmental concerns, and describe the intervention strategies needed to support those concerns.
• Using one of Colorado Department of Education videos, conduct a walkthrough (a step-by-step explanation) on how to observe one of those children using one of the four documentation forms of your choice.