Observation technique free essay sample

Checklists are lists of specific traits or behaviors arranged in logical order Check lists are especially useful for types of behavior or traits than can be easily and clearly specified Information from anecdotal and running records can be transferred to checklists to make interpretation easier Advantages 1. They are easy and quick to use; 2. Little training required; 3. They can be used in the presence of the child or recorded later; 4. Helps to focus observations on many behaviors at once; 5. Can be used for curriculum planning; activities can be planned to encourage certain behaviors that have not yet been observed; 6. Can be used to condense information from running record or anecdotal records. Disadvantages 1. Not very detailed; 2. Little information about the context or sequence of events; 3. May miss important information not included on the checklist. 4. Notes if a behavior occurred but not how often it occurs or the duration of the behavior. Something that happens once may not be very meaningful. We will write a custom essay sample on Observation technique or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Target child observation This form of observation is used in group settings to find out whether children are getting worthwhile experiences in the group. The child may be selected for a particular reason or at random. The child is observed for a concentrated period of time noting: ? The language they use ? How they interact with others ? What they are doing ? What materials they are using Particular attention should be paid to whether the child is being challenged by activities that make them think, work things out and whether they concentrate on activities. To gain an accurate picture of a child’s development at a given time it is advisable to complete observations over a few days or a week. The observer must bear in mind that one isolated observation, even though it may reveal a surprising amount of information about a particular child, should never form the basis for reaching conclusions about a child’s ongoing development. If the practitioner wishes to get a full picture, they will need to collect a series of observations made at regular intervals over a period of time. Checklist Observation A guide used for assessing a child on a particular day against a list of specific milestonesthat should be reached at a certain time. Checklists can be used on all children on aregular basis to enable you to plan for each child’s needs. Advantages †¢ It is quick and simple to use. †¢ It is a fast way of presenting a great deal of information. †¢ It can be used as part of a Longitudinal study. †¢ It can be regularly repeated to assess developmental progress. †¢ Parents/carers can use it. †¢ The guide can also be used on a group of children to find out more detail about thegroup.  e. g. Gender differences-or show that there are none. Disadvantages †¢ It may allow you narrow and limited information. †¢ The checklist may not give a true picture on the day if the child is upset or unwell. †¢ It may be tempting to put a tick against a skill you think a child has achievedtherefore you are not being objective and may disadvantage the chil d. Focus /Target Child Focus/target child is the observation of a particular child for a specific amount of time. Pre-coded categories are used to record what is being observed this technique is a good wayof collecting data. Advantages †¢ Focus/target one child, providing a collection of precise data over a period of time. †¢ Information and data are easily accessible. †¢ Demonstrates areas mostly used by the child in the setting. †¢ Shows which area promotes conversation. Disadvantages †¢ Information and data are limited. †¢ More interesting information may be obtained but left out. †¢ Codes have to be learnt by the observer, †¢ The observer needs to focus on one particular child. †¢ The observer needs to develop the skill to summarise precisely.