Observation Techniques and Tools

1. Observation Techniques and Tools Chapter 15

2. Observational Methods • Intuitive observation • Anecdotal records • Rating scales • Event recording • Duration recording • Time sampling

3. Intuitive Observation • Not a systematic procedure • Observer goes into the setting totally open and draws conclusions • Problem: high probability of invalid and unreliable data • The more experienced the observer the better the data • Can isolate and identify glaring problems

4. Anecdotal Records • Taking notes on broad categories of concern with rich description • Non-evaluative • No preconceived categories/maintains context – before hypothesis generation • Difficult to compare or analyze data (too much description) • Useful when specific behaviors related to a question cannot be identified

5. Event Recording • The occurrence or lack of occurrence of a behavior or event • Usually records several behaviors at the same time • Usually low inference judgments therefore reliable data • Useful for any question for which quantitative (counting) is important

6. Duration Recording • Provides information on the use of time • Basic tool is the stop watch • Two methods • A time line • Actual time recorded using start and stop of a stop watch • Useful for events that take place over long periods of time. Frequently changing events cannot be done easily using duration recording.

7. Time Sampling • At a designated interval the observer makes a decision about an instructional event • Useful for events that don’t change quickly and are distributed throughout a lesson • Can collect a lot of useful information in a short amount of time

8. Observation Tools for the Analysis of Teaching • ALT – Academic Learning Time • Time students are engaged in the content at an appropriate level of difficulty • Student Use of Time • Timeline of instruction, management activity or any other categories that are important to observe

9. Observation Tools for the Analysis of Teaching • OSCD-PE • Observation System for Content Development • Determines the type of task the teacher gives in sequence throughout the lesson • Teacher Feedback • Determines the type of feedback the teacher gives in a lesson and to whom the feedback is directed

10. Observation Tools for the Analysis of Teaching • Student conduct • Describes how teachers structure, direct, and reinforce their expectations for student behavior • QMTPS • Qualitative measures of teacher performance scale • Collects data on the type of task, task presentation, and appropriateness of student responses to the task

11. Observation Tools for the Analysis of Teaching • Teacher Movement • Determines teacher movement relative to the instructional space throughout a lesson