LESSON 3Methods for Recording Observation of Young Children’s Behavior

Rowena H. MontenegroMATG 306

Observation - is the process of watching a child at work or play without interfering in the activity.

Recording - is the process of documenting the observed activity or behavior.

include standardized tests and research instruments.

provide important information, they require specialized training for recording data on carefully designed forms.

Formal Observation Informal Observation observation methods to

collect data. easier to use and more

appropriate for program planning.

They include observing children in the classroom, collecting samples of their work, interviewing parents, and talking with children.

1. Anecdotal Recordo Method of informal observationo The simplest form of direct observation is a

brief narrative account of a specific incidento Used to develop an understanding of a

child’s behavior.o They can be recorded in any setting and

require no special training.o Helps the teacher understand a child’s

behavior in particular situations and settings.

Contents of Anecdotal RecordsIdentifies the child and gives the child’s ageIncludes the date, time of day, and settingIdentifies the observerProvides an accurate account of the child’s

actions and direct quotes from the child’s conversations

Includes responses of other children and/or adults, if any are involved in the situation

Sample of Anecdotal Record FormCarrie 10/9/15 8:30 to 8:45

Geneva Peterson Dramatic Play

Carrie went directly to the dramatic play area when she arrived at the center. She placed the cash register on a table. After this, she displayed empty food containers on a table. Tony entered the area. He stepped behind the cash register and said, “I want to play with this.”

Carrie said, “No, it’s mine. I had it first.” Then using her armshe hit Tony and began pushing him. Tony looked at Carrie, shrugged his shoulders, and walked away. As Tony walked away, a smile came across Carrie’s face.

• Is usually a series of short observations to confirm a child’s behavior pattern in order to provide suitable strategies to manage the child’s behavior effectively. It is like keeping a clearly focused diary of the child’s behavior.

• The event may be categorized.Ex. Loud angry speech and facial expressions

could be categorized as quarrel.

2. Event Sampling

1. Targeted behavior2. Causes of misbehavior

a. Antecedent eventsb. Consequences of behavior c. Interpretation information from observations

3. Behaviors to be encouraged 4. Strategies to be used in intervening 5. Follow-up – later observations to see if the problem is solved.

A form could be developed that might include the following components:

3. Time Sampling• A quick way to study the behavior of

one or two children is through the use of the “time-sampling” method (Hills,1992). A student or a teacher who can sit on the sidelines and follow particular child or children can learn much about what each child does, with whom he or she interacts and what interest the child.

3. Time Sampling• In this method behavior is recorded at

regular, preset interval. Ten minutes is probably too long an interval; two minutes may be too short. Three to five minutes is more workable. That gives the observer a minute to observe and two to three minutes to record.

3. Time SamplingTime sampling should be used

when teachers are concerned about the behavior of a particular child or small group of children.