Chapter 8:  Observing & Analyzing

Purpose = to offer practical techniques to observe and analyze student movement to guide instruction

Child-centered program:  lesson designed for particular classes of children

                Selections of tasks and activities and time spent is based on teacher observations

Subject-centered program:  one lesson fits all

 

Don’t only observe entire class, but individuals as wwell

 

Observation Techniques:

1.  Back to the wall
2. Scanning
3. Visitor observation – what would a guest see?
4. One component at a time

 

4 key questions:

1. Are the children working safely
2. Are the children on task?
3. Is the task appropriate?
4. How are individuals using the crucial component

 

Reflection:  It’s often difficult to observe students ability to perform a specific skill because many times it takes several seconds to do so.  In the meanwhile, it is often necessary to look away to monitor the rest of the class.  So the critical observation is missed.  It can be very difficult to analyze student growth because of so much activity going on at the same time that also needs to be watched.