LESSON 3

Methods for Recording

Observation of Young
Childrens
Behavior
Rowena H. Montenegro
MATG 306

Observation
- is the process of watching a
child at work or play without
interfering in the activity.
Recording
- is the process of
documenting the observed
activity or behavior.

Formal Observation

Informal Observation

include standardized observation methods to

collect data.
tests and research
easier to use and more
instruments.
appropriate for program
provide important
planning.
information, they
They include observing
require specialized
children in the
training for
classroom, collecting
recording data on
samples of their work,
carefully designed
interviewing parents,
and talking with
forms.
children.

1. Anecdotal Record
o Method of informal observation
o The simplest form of direct
observation is a brief narrative
account of a specific incident
o Used to develop an understanding
of a childs behavior.
o They can be recorded in any setting
and require no special training.
o Helps the teacher understand a
childs behavior in particular
situations and settings.

Contents of Anecdotal
Records
Identifies the child and gives the childs age
Includes the date, time of day, and setting
Identifies the observer
Provides an accurate account of the childs
actions and direct quotes from the childs
conversations
Includes responses of other children and/or
adults, if any are involved in the situation

Sample of Anecdotal
Record Form
Carrie

Geneva
Peterson

10/9/15

8:30 to 8:45

Dramatic Play

Carrie went directly to the dramatic play area when

she arrived at the center. She placed the cash register
on a table. After this, she displayed empty food
containers on a table. Tony entered the area. He
stepped behind the cash register and said, I want to
play with this.
Carrie said, No, its mine. I had it first. Then using
her arm
she hit Tony and began pushing him. Tony looked at
Carrie, shrugged his shoulders, and walked away. As
Tony walked away, a smile came across Carries face.

2. Event Sampling
Is usually a series of short observations
to confirm a childs behavior pattern in
order to provide suitable strategies to
manage the childs behavior effectively.
It is like keeping a clearly focused diary
of the childs behavior.
The event may be categorized.
Ex. Loud angry speech and facial
expressions could be categorized as
quarrel.

A form could be developed that might

include the following components:

1. Targeted behavior
2. Causes of misbehavior
a. Antecedent events
b. Consequences of behavior
c. Interpretation information from
observations
3. Behaviors to be encouraged
4. Strategies to be used in intervening
5. Follow-up later observations to see if
the problem is solved.

3. Time Sampling
A quick way to study the
behavior of one or two children
is through the use of the timesampling method (Hills,1992).
A student or a teacher who can
sit on the sidelines and follow
particular child or children can
learn much about what each
child does, with whom he or she

3. Time Sampling
In this method behavior is
recorded at regular, preset
interval. Ten minutes is
probably too long an interval;
two minutes may be too short.
Three to five minutes is more
workable. That gives the
observer a minute to observe

3. Time Sampling
Time sampling should be
used when teachers are
concerned about the
behavior of a particular child
or small group of children.