Observation and Assessment

Formal Observations

Factual, based on scientific findings

Informal Observations

completed by trained teachers daily

Objective observation

Factual, based on what you see the child do and say

Subjective observation

Personal opinions of what was seen

Authentic Assessment

reviewing data and reaching conclusions from observations of naturally occuring activities

Large Motor Growth Indicators

Jumping, hopping, riding bikes

Small Motor Growth Indicators

Writing name, building with legos, cutting with scissors

Classifying

Sorting objects by characteristics

Seriating

Putting objects in order

Matching

Placing like objects together

Rational counting

Assigning a number to an amount, telling "how many"

Conservation

Amount stays the same even though some attributes change

Pro-Social Behaviors

Displaying behaviors that positively affect others

Cooperative play

2 or more children playing with each other

Ancedotal Records

Detailed notes on children as they work and play

Checklist

provides a register of items that the observer marks off if behavior is present

Rating Scale

Method used to assess the quality of a trait or characteristic

Time Sampling

used for methodical investigation of behaviors that occur in rapid succession

Running Record

Covers a period of time and includes all that can be recorded to understand sequences of development

Frequency Count

a record of how many times a particular behavior or situation occurs during a specific period of time

Portfolios

Used to show evidence of growth to parents during a conference