Purpose of differ observations

Question 1

Purpose of using a narrative observation

Answer 1

Provide a detailed objective account of a child’s behaviour, development, or interactions in a natural setting over a continuous period of time.

Helps to:

• Understand developmental progress
• Identify interests and needs
• Plan appropriate support or activities
  -Track behaviour or changes over time
• Communicate with parents and professionals

Question 2

Purpose of using an event sampling observation

Answer 2

Record and analyse specific behaviours or events whenever they occur, particularly those that are infrequent or of special interest.

Helps to:

• Focusing on specific behaviours
• Identifying triggers and consequences
• Monitoring frequency and patterns
• Supporting behaviour plans or interventions
• Evaluating change over time

Question 3

Purpose of using a time sample observation?

Answer 3

A method where observers record behaviour at specific intervals, like every 10 seconds, to gather data over time.

Useful for:

• Monitoring overall behaviour patterns
• Identifying trends in attention, mood, or engagement
• Reducing observer bias - are made at fixed times, it limits the chance of focusing only on unusual or dramatic events.
• Supporting planning and routines
• Comparing behaviour across settings

Question 4

Purpose of using a child tracker observation?

Answer 4

Monitor and record a child’s movement and activity within a specific environment over a set period of time.

Helps to:

• Understand how a child uses space - shows where a child spends most of their time, which areas they avoid, and how they navigate the environment.
• Identify interests and engagement - tracking which areas child is drawn to = understanding preferences
• Assess social interactions - who the child interacts with and how long and how often
• Improve environmental design – The data can inform changes to the layout or resources to encourage more balanced or purposeful use of the space.
• Support inclusion and access – It helps identify if a child is isolated, overly active in certain areas, or avoiding certain zones, which can inform strategies to support participation.

Question 5

Purpose of using an online learning journal?

Answer 5

Document, track, and share a child’s learning and development in a digital format.

• Document progress
• Engage families
• Supporting assessments
• Organising learning evidence
• Encouraging reflective practice

Question 6

Purpose of using a checklist observation?

Answer 6

Quickly and efficiently record whether specific behaviours, skills, or developmental milestones are present or absent during an observation.

Assessing developmental milestones
Providing a clear overview
Time efficient
Supporting planning
When used regularly, it shows developmental progress over time across specific learning areas

Question 7

Purpose of using a sociogram observation?

Answer 7

Visually map and analyse the social relationships and interactions within a group to understand social dynamics.

Helps to:

• Identify social connections and patterns
• Understand peer relationships
• Support inclusion
• Monitor group dynamics over time
• Plan social or cooperative activities

Question 8

Purpose of using jottings or sticky note observations?

Answer 8

Quickly capture brief, spontaneous observations of a child’s behaviour, actions, or speech in real time.

• Recording significant moments instantly
• Saving time
• Collecting evidence for assessments
• Highlighting emerging interests or needs
• Supporting reflective practice

Question 9

Purpose of using Photographic and video observations?

Answer 9

Visually document a child’s learning, behaviour, and development in a clear, engaging, and authentic way.

• Capturing real-time evidence - Photos and videos provide direct, visual proof of a child’s skills, interactions, or progress.
• Supporting assessment and planning - - - Visual media can be reviewed and analysed to inform next steps or learning goals.
• Enhancing family engagement - Parents can better understand and connect with their child’s learning through images and videos.
• Preserving detail and context - Videos especially allow educators to review tone, expression, interaction, and sequence of events that might be missed in written notes.
• Celebrating achievements – They highlight children’s accomplishments and moments of pride, which can boost confidence and motivation.
• Inclusive documentation - highlights diverse learning styles, supports reflection and accessibility, encourages participation