Observation Framework

Observation Framework

Delilah Montecino
HD 315
Jarman
December 2, 2015

Observation Framework

Since my goal is to one-day work with adolescents I wanted to develop

a framework that would allow me to observe and document the behaviors
and skill of that age group. I think that observing adolescents is a little
different than observing preschoolers because a typical adolescent has
mastered their fine and gross motor skills and much of the basic reading and
writing skills. The observation framework that I am creating is targeted at a
typical adolescent (by typical I mean not a special needs class) class, either
junior high or high school. I would use a variety of methods to observe
adolescent development and behavior including: tallies, work samples,
anecdotal notes.
Im interested in working with adolescents because they have more
language and the capacity to express them selves. Also by this age many of
their basic skills are developed so you arent checking to see if they can feed
themselves or coordinate their movements, which in my opinion can make it
difficult to use checklist and charts. For my observation framework I would
create a matrix similar to the one in our book The Power of Observation
(Jablon 2007, p.80). Instead of rating the quality of participation like Jablons
(2007) example I would make a tally mark next to each persons name each
time they contributed to the discussion. Then in the final column I would
write notes about what each student said.
I think that this framework would be useful in determining the
frequency and quality of each students contribution. Upon reviewing the
date the instructor can determine which students are participating and

Observation Framework

hopefully develop ways to illicit participation from less active students. I

think that the column of notes is also helpful because the instructor can
review comments to ensure that students are grasping the content intended.
If the conversation is not reflecting the learning objectives then the instructor
ask open ended questions that prompt students to think more deeply on the
matter. The comments can also be used to highlight important/interesting
contributions from students. This framework is applicable to a variety of
subjects including English/language arts, history and even science. I think
that this framework may be difficult for observing math skills because there
isnt usually much discussion around math concepts since the are pretty set
in stone.

Observation Framework