Event sampling

As10BEED III-E
2014-2015

1. EVENT SAMPLING

2. Event Sampling Is usually a series of short observations to confirm a child’s behavior pattern in order to provide suitable strategies to manage the child’s behavior effectively. It is like keeping a clearly focused diary of the child’s behavior .

3. Advantages This method can uncover causes and effects of behavior Results of observation can be used to plan appropriate interventions at individual child’s developmental level

4. Disadvantages Results cannot be generalized to another child or group of children. Event sampling requires time and skill to code behaviors and record incidents It is not always easy to establish the causes of behaviors .

5. When to Use Event sampling can be used to explore causes and effects of behaviors . Event sampling can be used when a child behaves in ways that are typical for him or her or when a child shows repeated inappropriate behavior . When the schedule seems inappropriate for a group of children event sampling may help identify the problem.

6. 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.

7. TIME SAMPLING

8. Time Sampling A quick way to study the behavior of one or two children is through the use of the “time-sampling” 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 interacts and what interest the child.

9. In the time-sampling 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 and two to three minutes to record.

10. Advantages Teachers can observe behaviors in a natural setting They can serve as basis for furthur assessment or to validate other assessment measures. They can be fairly objective Teachers can use them to observe interaction between children

11. 5. They can be used with more than one child at a time. 6. Teachers can document small changes in behavior 7 . They can be used to develop learning experiences for particular children.

12. Disadvantages Time Sampling takes time and training to do When engaged in time sampling, the students and teachers cannot interact with children Observers may miss some important information when recording their observations since behaviors are not seen in context. Observers can overestimate the frequency of occurence of certain behaviors based on a small sample of time.

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