Theme: observation for developmental purposes and classroom research contents: introduction

Pin It! 10 Teacher Tips When Gathering your Documentation

1. 
   Date – this is key in tracking development over time
   
2. 
   Time – start time and end time
   
3. 
   Setting – note the location (indoor or outdoor; center or play area)
   
4. 
   Purpose – what is the intended goal
   
5. 
   Note the child (or children) who are involved in the activity
   
6. 
   Record only the facts – Write down exactly what you see and hear
   
7. 
   Be as concise (to the point) as you can
   
8. 
   Record the facts in the order as they occur
   
9. 
   Be descriptive and provide vivid details -create a visual picture so others can “see” what is happening
   
10. 
    Be specific and avoid vague or general terms – this is helpful when you go back to review your data
    

Objective versus subjective observation evidence

Intentional teachers must learn how to write objective observations. As you observe, it is best to write down all that you see and hear, and report just the facts. It takes practice to learn how to separate facts from opinions. Here are some helpful tips for you to review:

Table 1.1: Objective Observations vs. Subjective Observations

Objective Observations	Subjective Observations
Objective observations are based on what we observed using our senses, we record exactly what we see, hear, taste, touch, and smell	Subjective observations are often influenced by our past events, personal experiences and opinions, and can be biased based on our cultural backgrounds
Objective information is based on the facts we gather. If we don’t see it, we don’t report it. We report only details and provide vivid descriptions	Subjective information is based on our opinions, assumptions, personal beliefs, prejudice feelings or can be based on suspicions, rumors and guesses
Results are more likely to be valid and reliable from child to child	Results are often inconsistent and vary from child to child
Objective Terms that can be Used: Seems to be; Appears to	Subjective Words to Avoid: Just; because; but; always, never; can’t; I think; happy, smart, helpful, pretty, angry, shy, likes, loves, hates, sad