The Importance Of Student Observation

Throughout this course, I have learned many strategies and methods for student observation and assessment. I have also learned about responding to intervention in necessary situations. The textbooks, lessons, activities, and discussions have all helped me to build upon my prior content knowledge. I intend to use all that I have learned in this course throughout my future teaching career. I plan to use assessments frequently in my future classroom. The course material and the textbook stress the importance of using observations. For instance, our textbook states, “Understanding children begins with conscientiously observing them” (Puckett & Black, 2008, p. 93). I believe that observations are a fundamental part of the teaching and learning …show more content…
First, it is important to remember to remain objective while observing a student. It is important to remain objective because observations are meant to provide data about a student without opinions. The textbook states, “Objectivity refers to the ability of the assessor to derive data and information about a student that is free of personal feelings or biases” (Puckett & Black, 2008, p. 92). Second, as previously quoted above, it is important to remain free from bias. Teachers need to avoid bias when observing students in order to provide accurate and useful data about their abilities. Third, it is necessary to list both strengths and weaknesses of the student. A student’s strengths and weaknesses need to be known by the teacher to inform their instruction. The student’s strengths and weaknesses also need to be communicated with parents so everyone can be well informed and involved in the education process. Fourth, observations and assessments need to be reliable and valid. It is important that observations are reliable and valid to ensure they are measuring and providing the intended evidence. Fifth, observations need to be developmentally appropriate. Observations need to measure developmentally appropriate abilities and information. For example, teachers should not be observing Kindergartners solving multiplication facts. Instead, Kindergartners should be observed recognizing numbers and counting. Observations also need to be given in developmentally appropriate format. For instance, you would not give a Kindergarten student an assessment in the form of a multiple-choice test. Kindergarten students should be assessed through observations while using content knowledge