Observation Techniques: Process, Types, and Functions

Observation as a Process

1. Concept of observation as a process:

It is a process whose primary role is to gather information about the subject under consideration. It is an intellectual process.

Assessing vs. Observing

2. Difference in assessing and observing:

Assessment is directed toward a decision, separating the evaluation of the trial. Observing aims to understand and articulate the behavior of all participants in a situation.

Observer Attitudes

3. Observer attitudes:

Factors include the observer's sex, personal characteristics, ethical character, and social background.

Categories of Factors

4. Categories of factors:

These include stable internal factors (ability, skill), unstable internal factors (effort, will), stable external factors (task difficulty), and unstable external factors (chance).

Functions of Observation

The five functions of observation:

• Descriptive function: Describes the phenomenon or situation.
• Training function: Provides feedback for improvement.
• Evaluative function: Assesses dynamics, values, and informs decisions.
• Heuristic function: Invokes relevant assumptions.
• Check function: Manipulates search through observation.

Types of Observers

The two types of observers:

• Independent observer: Observes a group without participating.
• Participant observer: Integrates into the group and observes from within.

Objects of Observation

The three objects of observation:

1. Facts: Collecting opinions and different perceptions.
2. Attributive or narrative: Attributive focuses, narrative expands attention.
3. Alospective or introspective: Self-observation.

Classroom Observation

Classroom observations are documents where teachers record their impressions of classroom events.

Dilemmas in Learning

Dilemma: Descriptive constructs identifying dialectical and conflictual situations in learning.

Teacher Communication

With regard to communication, the teacher should:

Ensure the message is clear and elicits a response from children.