KS6: Appropriate strategies for assessing young children's learning and development
Evidence 1: Introduction to Observing and Recording Behavior Workshop, Professional Development Certificate, September 2012
Description: Participants were Introduced to various ways of observing and recording children’s behavior. Observation is a foundation of developmentally appropriate practice and was a key concept of this course.
Analysis: After this workshop I began implementing new ways of recording the observations that I was making in my classroom. These methods included keeping a notebook in a centralized location for writing down observations, and creating recipe boxes for each of the children in my classroom where I could store observations written on 3x5 note cards.
Evidence 3: Developmental Assessment
Description: This checklist was developed based on information found in the Vermont Early Learning Standards, and is used bi-annually to assess the children within my classroom.
Analysis: The checklist included here is one tool used within my classroom to aid in the assessment of the children I work with. Along with written observations, I use this material to aid in classroom and curriculum planning.
Evidence 2: Introduction to Early Childhood Education, ECE 105, Community College of Vermont, Fall 2001, Transcript
Description: This course was an overview of early childhood education . We examined historical, philosophical, and practical issues related to the education of children from birth to age eight. Topics included early childhood learning, behavior, and motivation; curriculum models and materials; observation techniques; and instructional issues.
Analysis: While in this course I was introduced to various types of observations including anecdotal records, running records, ABC analysis, time sampling and event sampling. We were assigned practice in gathering all types of observations listed, but most important was making sure that all observations remained non-biased. We were then instructed in analysis of observations recorded.
