Ann E. Boehm
Published: 1997
Total Pages:
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Systematic observation is essential for educators to evaluate properly the effectiveness of curricula and to address the problems of individual students. This new third edition emphasizes early childhood, and focuses on those skills that will enable the observer to make appropriate, valid inferences and to arrive at decisions based on objective observation data gathered in natural learning environments and diverse educational settings. Includes new focuses on: Procedures for observing environmental factors that affect learning and behavior The importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic characteristics of children’s learning environmentsThe key role of observation in the assessment processThe forms of observation, with illustrative examplesThe exploration of reliability, sampling behavior, recording formats, summarizing observational outcomes, and validity Using photographs, sample worksheets, a simple format, and straight-forward language, the authors cite fascinating real-life examples from early childhood that can be applied to a variety of classroom experiences. “The Classroom Observer provides the foundation for learning how to watch children in systematic and child-focused ways. The authors make the critical and often underappreciated point that keen insight into children’s development may be learned, and that while many early childhood educators already watch children, much can be gained from systematic observation. I believe that this book provides a basis for critical reflection upon one’s own observation skills.” —From the Foreword by Jeanne Brooks-Gunn
Holly Bohart
Published: 2018-06-05
Total Pages: 112
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The debate surrounding testing and accountability in early childhood education continues, but one thing is universally agreed upon: effective observation and assessment of young children's learning are critical to supporting their development. Educators balance what they know about child development with observation and assessment approaches that both inform and improve the curriculum. This foundational resource for all educators of children from birth through third grade explores What observation and assessment are, why to use them, and how Ways to integrate documentation, observation, and assessment into the daily routine Practices that are culturally and linguistically responsive Ways to engage families in observation and assessment processes How to effectively share children's learning with families, administrators, and others Find inspiration to intentionally develop and implement meaningful, developmentally appropriate observation and assessment practices to build responsive, joyful classrooms.
Marian Marion
Published: 2003
Total Pages: 324
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Written by a prolific, well-respected author, this book teaches how to observe, document, and assess children's development and progress--emphasizing how powerful ethical, responsible observation can be in a teacher's professional life. Focusing on observations as an intrinsic part of authentic assessment, the author advocates a protective, respectful attitude toward it. Provides an overview of various informal and formal observation and assessment strategies, as well as instruction in how to embed observation into the daily routine of the early childhood classroom. Explores ways to prevent problems, ways to solve problems, and ways to work cooperatively with parents. Included is coverage of the ethics of observation and the pros and cons of standardized testing as it relates to observation and assessment. For early childhood teachers.
Sandra Smidt
Published: 2015-06-05
Total Pages: 128
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This fully revised second edition of Observing, Assessing and Planning for Children in the Early Years provides a detailed analysis of what is meant by the observation of young learners and why this is so vital to early years practitioners and students. In this accessible and insightful text, Sandra Smidt examines the various theories of how young children develop and learn, which have been put forward by thinkers and writers across time and place so the reader has a genuinely global view of early childhood. She then highlights how important it is for practitioners in schools, nurseries and settings to think carefully about what they have seen and heard in light of what they, as adults, already know about the children and their learning. Also included in this text is a helpful ‘Try Your Hand’ section where readers are invited to make their own judgements about what they have read, as well as a section on observing and assessing not only the nursery-aged children but also babies and toddlers.