Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Observing Children: A tool for Assessment

Why is observation so important with young children?

• Observation provides vital information about each child's needs, interests, abilities and learning styles!

• It is one of the oldest and best ways of learning about children!

What makes an observation authentic?

There are a few things that need to be done for an observation to be authentic, most importantly they must be done over time in play-based situations

When you are choosing what kind of assessment you will be doing it is important you consider

• What type of behavior do you want to assess and how much detail do you need

• how many children are you assessing

• how much attention do you the observer need to focus on the observation

How do we know if a statement is objective?

It must pass 2 tests:

First, it must describe only observable actions.

Second, it must be non evaluative.

Multiple Choice

Assessment information is confidential and should not be shared with the parents

• true

• false

Multiple Select

Advantages to rating scales are

• easy to use

• only fragments of actions

• require little time to complete

• requires the observer to have a good understanding of the behavior

Multiple Select

Disadvantages to checklists include

• no time constraints

• easy to use

• lacks detailed information

• only particular behaviors are noted

Multiple Select

The following is/are true of an anecdotal record

• it is the easiest method to use

• may not always be accurate

• can provide a running record over time and can show evidence of growth

Multiple Choice

The most important guideline when observing children is

• keep the information collected confidential

• keep your belongings out of the observation area

• avoid talking to the children

• avoid talking to the teacher in charge

Multiple Choice

Portfolios contain

• art projects

• child dictated stories

• summaries of parent conferences

• all of the above