Keys to Effective Observation of Children

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During a general classroom observation, the following specific information need to gather. First of all, in an observation between children and teacher, viewer should also pay attention to class and teacher like classroom environment and collaboration (name on board, sharing materials, and space arrangement), general mannerisms in class, movement in classroom and years of experience as a Montessori teacher.

Besides, from teacher’s perspective, observers need to focus on the group management including classroom routines establishment, transition between activities, lessons and interruptions, eye contact with children to aware individual needs in group situations, the evidence of a sense of humor of instructor and the technique he or she used to handle disruptions of group activities, differentiated strategies (technology) and instructional approaches are used to meet the range of learning needs. If there is an assistant or other full-time teacher in the classroom, how they work together and what their duties respectively. From the child’s side, observers must pay attention to the interactions of the individual child with different adults and between different children. Viewers should note important features of the child’s responses, behavior, learning and development accurately and as soon as possible after observing them.

All in all, as a professional observer, you should keep the objectivity and accuracy about the information, and stand in the angle of bystanders. Also, timely observation report is needed to record the data. In addition, there are four different types of observation which are running record, time sampling, event sampling and anecdotal record. Every method has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different situations. Finally, in general classroom observation, observers should pay attention to not only classroom setting, but also interaction between children and teachers.

Reference:

Chism, N.V.N. (2007). Peer Review of Teaching: A Sourcebook. 2nd Ed. Bolton, Mass.: Anker. Note: Anker Publishing now belongs to Jossey-Bass.

The Early Years Foundation Stage 00012-2007CDO-EN. Effective practice: Observation, Assessment and Planning