CHRIS DANIELSMAYA IIDAETEC 601

Research Method:Observation

Consider This:

A few observations and much reasoning lead to error; many observations and a little reasoning lead to truth.

-Alexis Carrell

Roles of an Observer

Participant Observation Researcher is a genuine participant in the activity being studied.

Remote Observation Researcher observes out of sight of participants in the activity being studied.

Roles of an Observer

Active Participant Observer Researcher has an active role in activity being studied.

Must be aware not to get so involved that you forget to record observations.

Most common data collection method for teachers doing action research.

Roles of an Observer

Privileged, Active Observer Researcher has active role in activity being studied

Researcher is able to step back and record because not solely responsible for activity.

For teachers doing action research, this role type requires teachers to take time away from non teaching activities.

Roles of an Observer

Passive Observer Researcher does not have an active role in activity being studied.

Provides new perspective on activity.

Field Notes

Observe and record everything you can Unsure of what you want to attune to

Observe and look for nothing in particular Familiar setting, what makes this activity run smoothly

Observe and look for paradoxes Look for disruptions and unexpected responses

Case Study 1

Birmingham, Mary. (2001) How Do we Teach Students With High Impulsivity and Anxiety to Improve in the Area of Self

Regulation? http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/abstracts/29.pdf

1. Researchers observed students pre-instruction to classify the target group

2. Observational data that was collected helped researchers create questions to guide instruction and to discover what each student required.

3. Observation served as a final assessment of effectiveness that the instruction

Case Study 2

Seelman, Carrie. (2002). Moving Out of Chaos: A Reading Workshop Approach. http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/abstracts/

372.pdf

1. Observation used to log the pre and post implementation of Readers workshop

2. Comparison observation is utilized

3. Observation used as formative assessment.

Reading workshop!

Do’s and Don’ts for Observation

Pre-Observation:DO

1. Analyze and select appropriate participants

2. Research classroom organization and structure

3. Prepare open ended questions

4. Think about what you want to learn from the observation

Analyze Target Audience

Do’s and Don’ts for Observation

Pre-Observation:DON’T

1. Have a predetermined outcome from the observation

2. Encourage students to behave irregularly

3. Plan too casually

Do’s and Don’ts for Observation

During Observation: DO

1. Encourage students to think out loud

2. Utilize all senses in observing

3. Remain mobile throughout the observation

4. Keep a log or complete an observation guide

5. Be consistent with time day and duration of observation

Do’s and Don’ts for Observation

During ObservationDON’T

1. Overly help or prompt students

2. Infer ideas based on observation

3. Censor what you write down

4. Observe too narrowly

Narrow Observation

Resources

Mills E. Geoffrey (copyright 2011) Action research –A Guide for the Teacher Researcher. Fourth Edition. pg 70-78.

http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/carhomepage.html

http://www.humboldt.edu/~tha1/observ.html

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyYouth/evaluation/pdf/brief16.pdf

http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/search.cgi

Mahalo!

Any Questions?