Tools and Techniques for Classroom Assessment - Observation

Keenly watching or viewing the external behaviour of persons in appropriate situation, controlled or uncontrolled.
Young defined, it’s a careful technique and viewing of selected situation and recording then and there, what is perceived.

1. Tools and Techniques for Classroom Assessment -Observation S.RAJA KUMAR, Asst. Prof, TCP, Madurai-09

2. Assessment Assessment is a systematic process of gathering information about what a student knows, is able to do, and is learning to do. Assessment information provides the foundation for decision-making and planning for instruction and learning. integral part of instruction that enhances, empowers, and celebrates student learning.

3. Generally tools and techniques employed in the classroom assessment that are; Observation Self reporting Anecdotal record Ratting Scale Different tests

4. Observation Keenly watching or viewing the external behaviour of persons in appropriate situation, controlled or uncontrolled. Young defined, it’s a careful technique and viewing of selected situation and recording then and there, what is perceived.

5. Now a days so many instruments are adopted to the observation technique and its refined, made more objective and reliable. Recording the information where ever its necessary, audio, video, etc.. How ever. Observation consider as a non testing device.

6. CHARACTERISTICS OF OBSERVATION Observation is at once a physical as well as mental activity Observation is selective and purposeful. Scientific observation is systematic. Observation is specific. Scientific observation is objective. Scientific observation is quantitative. The record of observation is immediately. Observation is verifiable Behavior is observed is natural surroundings It enables understanding significant events affecting social

7. Procedure for good observation Appropriate situation and observe whole event Observe only one aspect at a time. Observe without knowing the observed and record the information. Shoul d n’t mix the observer opinion and guesses with observed data. Continuously observed and carried out. Within the time schedule.

8. Steps 1. Planning Aspects and phenomenon Precisely indicate to the observer to whom to observe. Place, time, time interval are briefly explained to the observer. Selecting method for observation and tools should be mentioned earlier and to be use for score card and tally sheet and ratting scale etc. 2. Execute the observation skillfully and record the data carefully. 3. Verify the recorded observed data.

9. Types Participant observation Participant observation was first introduced by Prof. Edward Winder Man . It means the activities of a group in which an observer himself participate and note the situation. He willingly mixes with the group and perform his activities as an observer not merely a participator who criticize the situation. In other words he takes place and share the activities with his group.

10. Merits The observer is personally involved in group activities and shares their feelings and prejudices. He participate himself and get insight into the behavior of the group. It motivates and stimulates mutual relationship b/w the observer and observe. He can get more information’s with accuracy and precision. The information’s are recorded in front of the group people

11. Demerits The observer may develop emotional attachment to his group which will lose the objectivity of the study. Cannot observe a certain phenomenon in a short time available to him. Cannot cover a wide area through this method.

12. Non-Participant Observation The non-participant observation has a lack of participation of the observer in his group activities. He either watch the phenomena from a distance or participate in the group but never in its activities. He only sit in the group but do not interest in the process . Its applicable in children's and mal adjusted children's are adopted in this method and

13. Merits Although observer himself never attach to the group but the objectivity maintained. Less emotional involvement of the observer leads to accuracy and greater objectivity. having secondary relationship with his group, so the information’s are collected entirely. Through non-participant observation the research remains very smooth.

14. Demerits Do not have full knowledge about the group activities. Cannot understand the whole phenomena. Cannot get real and deep insight into the phenomena.

15. Un-Controlled Observation Uncontrolled observation takes place in natural setting without the influence of external or outside control. The observer does not plan in advance but this is related to day-to-day happenings and socio-cultural problems. It studies some of our life situations. Observing the students in ground, library, Classroom and some common places without knowing their knowledge.

16. Controlled Observation Here observer and observe or subject both are controlled. For systematic data collection control is imposed on both for accuracy and precision. When observation is pre-planned and definite, then it is termed as controlled observation. In control observation, mechanical devices are used for precision and standardized. So, control increase accuracy, reduce bias, ensure reliability and standardization. Some of the devices are as under. Observational plan. Observational schedule. Mechanical appliances like, camera, maps, films, video, tape recorder etc. Team of observers. Socio Matric Scale

17. uses Applicable for individual and groups Short term training is enough for observer to observes. Suitable for all age group and both gender. Cost free technique and may need few gadgets. Natural environment provides the observed Information's are reliable Observation tool can be designed to meet all situation.

18. limitation Bias affects the quality of observation Observed by expressed behaviour only, can not be found inner feelings. Immediate record not to be done. May not be accurate. Observation require more time, more patience and a keen insight.

19. Thank you