1. Unit 7 Observation, assessment and planning Lesson 4
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2. AC 2.3 Identify factors to consider when observing children.
LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children.
AC 2.1 Discuss the need for confidentiality and objectivity during the observation process.
AC 2.3 Identify factors to consider when observing children.
AC 2.4 Evaluate the need for objectivity when observing children.
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3. Discuss and write a definition for: Subjectivity Objectivity.
LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children [AC 2.1]
Time: 15 mins
Discuss and write a definition for:
Subjectivity
Objectivity.
Teacher notes:
Learners should discuss and write what their pair thinks is a good definition for objectivity and subjectivity. These should then be discussed with the rest of the class and a definition for each agreed on.
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4. LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children [AC 2.1]
Objectivity - Objectivity is a noun that means a lack of bias, judgment, or prejudice. Maintaining one's objectivity is the most important job of a judge. Subjectivity - Subjectivity refers to how someone's judgment is shaped by personal opinions and feelings instead of outside influences. Subjectivity is partially responsible for why one person loves an abstract painting while another person hates it.
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5. Objectivity and subjectivity
LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children [AC 2.1]
Objectivity and subjectivity
When observing children it is important that you do not add your own thoughts or feelings, and that the observation is authentic and factual.
Carrying out observations which are not factual could have an impact on a child’s development.
Should observations be subjective or objective?
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6. Which is more authentic?
LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children [AC 2.1]
Time: 15 mins
Look at the photos below and write an objective and subjective observation for each one.
Which is more authentic?
Teacher notes:
Example:
Photo 1
Objective – Child A is placing a puzzle piece in the correct space
Subjective – Child A likes puzzles.
Photo 4
Objective – Child B is squeezing the dough with both hands
Subjective – Child B having a lovely time squeezing the dough.
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7. LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children [AC 2.2]
Time: 15 mins
Discuss situations where you have had to write up notes.
Consider:
Observations
Meetings
Instructions
In class.
Can you read and understand your own notes?
What impact may this have when working in partnership?
Teacher notes:
Learners should discuss their thoughts on their own note-taking skills and discuss areas for development.
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8. Factors to consider when observing
LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children [AC 2.3]
Factors to consider when observing
There are many factors to consider before, during and after observing children, these include:
Gaining the appropriate permission
The health and well-being of the child
What the child is doing
The individual needs of the child
The purpose of the observation.
Some of these factors may affect the outcome of the observation.
Teacher notes:
This is not an exhaustive list but gives learner the opportunity to consider factors.
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9. Gaining the appropriate permission
LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children [AC 2.3]
Time: 15 mins
Discuss each of the factors shown below and explain why they may impact on the observation of a child:
Gaining the appropriate permission
The health and well-being of the child
What the child is doing
The individual needs of the child
The purpose of the observation.
Teacher notes:
Examples:
If the child is unwell or unhappy when being observed then the outcome may be different from what is expected.
If the child is being observed whilst doing something that is not appropriate for their age and stage of development, then the outcome may not be an accurate reflection of the child’s abilities.
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10. LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children [AC 2.4]
Time: 15 mins
How objective are you?
Consider:
Are you able to note down exactly what you see and hear?
Do you find it difficult to keep your opinions out of an observation?
Does your objectivity depend on the child you are observing?
If your observations were not truly objective, how might this impact on the outcome?
Teacher notes:
Learners should consider their own objectivity.
Learners should consider whether they are able to write accurate observations in the here and now, or whether previous experiences of the child influence their notes – i.e. a child with behavioural difficulties, or a child who is not doing something during the observation that they know they can normally do.
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11. Observation 1 should be objective and only include facts.
LO2 Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children [AC 2.1, 2.2, 2.4]
Time: 15 mins
Imagine a child who is playing in the sand pit with diggers and trucks. Write up 2 observations of the same child and situation, and use no more than 100 words in each.
Observation 1 should be objective and only include facts.
Observation 2 should be subjective and include opinion and personal views.
Teacher notes:
This activity will enable learners to see how different an observation can be even if describing the same child and the same event.
Refer back to the classroom discussion activity for examples.
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12. Summary The definition of objectivity and subjectivity.
The different between objectivity and subjectivity in observations of children.
Reflect on own skills of objectivity and subjectivity with regard to observations.
Teacher notes:
This is not an exhaustive list but gives learner the opportunity to consider factors.
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