When observing students to learn about how they learn, why is it important to record just the facts, as objectively as you can?
Observation tips 1.You are video recorders 2.Evidence vs analysis 3.Develop short-cut codes 4.Get as much detail as possible 1.Draw maps (example: of a playground or room) 2.Count numbers of males & females 3.Write down direct quotes 5.See “Very Useful Information-8: How to Observe & Take Notes.”Very Useful Information-8
Final advice Keep neat notes—rewrite if you are sloppy Keep detailed notes. Write for a short time before working with students if possible. Add more notes later. Finally at home, go over notes and add concepts
General Observation Process Use the resources on my website service- learning materials (Useful Information, 8)resources on my website service- learning A little time in the beginning before you get started Add notes right after as best you can remember Even later, add concepts
GETTING THE BIG PICTURE OF THE CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL
Remember that context is made up of many things. Here are some ideas about things you might observe about the context: How is the school organized? What kind of programs and resources does it contain? Is it clean? Are there places for play, for study, etc.? How is the room organized? (even draw a map) What resources are in the room to help students learn? How many adults are present? What evidence do you have that the room is safe? Does the equipment match the physical needs of students? How many students are in the room? How many are male and female? What, if anything do you notice about student health, body size, etc?
Observing less obvious features of the context: See “Resources 3a: How to learn about context.”Resources 3a School report cards—see the link on Useful WebsitesUseful Websites School websites—see links on Resources 1dResources 1d Drive around school and its neighborhood Attend community events Kidscount—located on my websitemy website Observation—see observation tipsobservation tips Other useful websites on Marchel’s website