Observation

What is Observation?

Observation can be defined as “the act of noting and recording something, such as phenomenon, with instruments” (Farlex Inc, 2014). Moreover, Podmore and Luff (2012) quote Fleer and Richardson (2004) to further explain observations as a tool for collecting data or proof of learning. Additionally observation also has to do with documentation, which MacNaughton and Williams (2009) describes as collecting and arranging information in order to provide an illustrative or written of children’s learning and development.

Types of Observations

In the early childhood education (ECE) environment there are many ways and methods of observing and documenting observations; for example running records, anecdotal, photographing, time sample, learning stories, check lists, audio-recording and video-recording. It can be said that the methods of observation done can act as a base for teachers to make professional decisions and conclusions about the teaching, learning and education programmes that are planned (Podmore & Luff, 2012).

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