Week 2 Principles of Observations

Module 1 - Week 2
Preparing to Observe
 
Today’s Class
1. Definition of observation
2. The process of watching; the process of listening
3. The observation cycle
4. Why observe children?
5. Consent and confidentiality

Definition of Observation
Observation is a systematic process of watching and
listening to children, and recording their behaviour in a
meaningful way for shared use.
Observation is  a systematic process
It involves  watching and

listening to children
 recording their behaviour in a
meaningful way for shared use.
The Process of Watching
When an educator watches, he or she:
• is engaged with the children
• is constantly observing
• plays an active role
• is responsible for the children’s well-being
• sees either a child or the group dynamics
• notices the children and their environment
• what else?
Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

The Process of Listening
When an educator listens, he or she:
• shows sensitivity to the actions, feelings, and ideas
of the children and others
• demonstrates value and respect for the children’s
voices
• makes the children feel appreciated
• reduces misunderstandings by careful listening
• learns more

The Cycle of Observation
What components
are evident in this
cycle?
Cycle of Observation Simplified…
Why are we
observing?
Making
Observe the
learning
child and ask
visible with
questions, take
Pedagogical
pictures etc.
Doc.
Reflection and
interpretation
of observation.
Include ALL
voices.
The Cycle of Observation
The cycle of observation includes:
• inquiry
• observation and pedagogical documentation
• interpretation and evaluation
• making learning visible
• co-construction of responsive and inclusive
actions/plans
• collaboration from all team members – children,
educators, families, and community
Inquiry: A Vital Part of the Cycle of
Observation
 Inquiry begins the cycle and maintains is momentum.
 Inquiry is the most important process in which a team
can engage.
• Why? Questions prompt us to listen to others, examine
ideas and beliefs, and reflect.
• Once inquiry begins, it includes challenge, divergent ideas,
values, and a responsive climate.

An Interactive Process
The cycle of observation:
 involves parents, community professionals,
educators, children, and the community itself
 means gathering multiple perspectives
 is self-rectifying – a vibrant process
 is not a structured, prescriptive formula

Key Words in the Observation Cycle
The observation cycle is an equitable exchange including:
• Program philosophy
• Best practices
• Values
• Children
• Families
• Observation
The process of inquiry is the key to developing the cycle of

observation.
Observation Cycle: Guiding Words
 How can the use of guiding words such as perception
and decisions be transforming?
12
Observation Cycle: Questions
 The process of inquiry invites change. Asking questions
such as those posed here shows a willingness to
dialogue, reflect, and discuss.
Why Observe Children?
Reasons to observe:
 to observe the growth and development of each
child
 to discover the skills and interests of individual
children as well as the group
 to examine peer and adult social interactions
 to maintain the safety and well-being of each child
 to see how children play with various materials/toys
 Other reasons?
Online Observation Game –
Independent activity
 Complete the online observation game posted on
SLATE…
 Be honest and really try and guess the object before you
click on the answer.
 Click on “Introduction to Observation”…

Asking Questions and Making Decisions
1. WHY - reasons/purpose – most important part of the process

2. HOW - which methods to use
3. WHEN - don’t wait for the “right” time!
4. WHERE - find a place to observe:
spectator mode
participant mode
5. WHAT - what will you observe?
6. WHO - whom will you observe?

Challenges to Effective Observation
Some challenges:
 the time challenge – the main challenge!
 lack of teamwork – who will take responsibility?
 observation is not part of centre philosophy/practices
 challenges of everyday events – teachers are busy!
 unfamiliarity or lack of training
What are some solutions to these challenges?

The Rights of Children
Why does the topic “The Rights of Children” appear in
a textbook about observation?

Ethics and the Observation Process
 A transformationin observation practices and
pedagogical documentation includes:
o a child’s informed consent and respected identity
o children’s right to share their voice and perspective
o adherence to the Code of Ethics for educators
o providing opportunities, time, and materials for children to
be observers, decision makers, and documenters

More Simply Put…
1. Subject rights supersede (take priority over) observer’s

rights. Child’s Rights And Needs Always Come First
2. Design observations in which children benefit. No Harm

To Child
3. Parental (guardian) permission is MANDATORY
4. Child has the right to refuse to participate: No coercion
5. Child’s identity is always concealed
Must always follow the Code of Ethics in ECEC

When it comes to research…
We must ALWAYS follow the:
 Ethical principles in the conduct of research with human participa
nts
(American Psychological Association, 2003)
 Ethical standards for research with children (Society for Research

in Child Development, 1982
 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

(Articles 12, 13, 14, & 16)
Appreciative Inquiry and Ethics
Let’s discuss this on the Padlet posted on

SLATE…
 Whatethical questions might we ask ourselves when
wanting to document young children?
Consent and Confidentiality
 Confidentiality assurances are required by
provincial/territorial law.
 Consent and confidentiality should be part of a
centre’s policies and procedures.
 Compliance with the college or agency policies is
mandatory regarding confidentiality.
 Privacy of information on children and their families
must be respected.

Professionalism in Observation
 Confidentiality and privacy concerns, especially as a student…
1. A child’s name MUST be changed in observational records. Use a
pseudonym or 1st letter of name
2. Parental permission MUST be obtained prior to observation – signed
permission form
3. Observer should only discuss child’s behaviour confidentially,
objectively, and without judgement (no one should be able to relate
what you discuss with specific child).
 APA format applies in ALL written assignments
For reference, please check ECE Academic Handbook posted on SLATE,

under course information.
Child’s identity MUST always be concealed:
Sheridan’s Research Ethics Board
Confidentiality of children’s
identity is very important
therefore, any breach of
confidentiality (i.e., if the
child’s name is not
changed) will result in a
ZERO on your
assignments.
Case Study – Anna
Independent Activity
 Read the case study posted on SLATE.

 Answer the questions and post it on the Discussion Board
under Case Study - Anna
Weekly Checklist
You need to have the following completed

by the end of week 2.
 Complete the observation game

 Answer the question on the Padlet posted under week 2
 Complete the case study posted under week 2
 Make sure you complete the readings for Module 1
Next Week
Learning to Document
 Descriptive/Objective Language
 Behaviour, internal conditions, characteristics
 Understanding and interpreting observations
 Forms of bias
Read:
 Ch. 1, 2 and 3 in Fenning & Wylie (2016)
Reference
 Fenning, K. & Wylie, S. (2018). Observing young
children: Transforming early learning through
reflective practice. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education.

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Module 1 - Week 2

2. The process of watching; the process of listening

3. The observation cycle

4. Why observe children?

5. Consent and confidentiality

It involves  watching and

Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

The process of inquiry is the key to developing the cycle of

 Click on “Introduction to Observation”…

1. WHY - reasons/purpose – most important part of the process

Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

What are some solutions to these challenges?

Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

1. Subject rights supersede (take priority over) observer’s

2. Design observations in which children benefit. No Harm

3. Parental (guardian) permission is MANDATORY

4. Child has the right to refuse to participate: No coercion

5. Child’s identity is always concealed

Must always follow the Code of Ethics in ECEC

 Ethical standards for research with children (Society for Research

 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Let’s discuss this on the Padlet posted on

Copyright © 2016 by Nelson Education Ltd.

For reference, please check ECE Academic Handbook posted on SLATE,

 Read the case study posted on SLATE.

You need to have the following completed

 Complete the observation game

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