Child Observation for Learning and Research

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This fully revised new edition of Child Observation for Learning and Research provides a thorough grounding in the methodology, practice and interpretation of observing children. The book takes the unique approach of demonstrating how acquiring observational skills serves as a key learning tool for understanding both children and theory.

This fully revised new edition of Child Observation for Learning and Research provides a thorough grounding in the methodology, practice and interpretation of observing children. The book takes the unique approach of demonstrating how acquiring observational skills serves as a key learning tool for understanding both children and theory.

The authors draw on their experience and expertise in childcare, early years education, social work and research to introduce the fundamental principles and processes of observation, building knowledge and confidence through a wide range of scenarios and activities. This new edition features a focus on inclusive practice and resistance to ableism, spotlighting the Rights of the Child with chapters exploring the deeper roots of child observation and notable theories of early childhood. It highlights critical perspectives on systematic child observations and updates current ways of working and learning in practice and research.

Each chapter includes vignettes illustrating real examples of observation, practice and research; key theorist and theory boxes highlighting relevance to learning and observation; end-of-chapter activities encouraging reflection on experiences of the observational process; and a wide range of references to support further reading and research.

Whether you are an undergraduate student or a practitioner embarking on a new course of study, you will find this book a valuable resource to support your practice, learning and research in child observation.

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List of figures

List of tables

List of theorist boxes

List of theory boxes

Preface

Acknowledgments

Part I: Thinking about and planning for child

observation

Chapter 1: Observation and learning

Vignette 1.1

Vignette 1.2

Abstract

Introduction

What is learning?

Observation - a learning tool

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 2: Child Observation - historical perspective

Vignette 2.1

Vignette 2.2

Vignette 2.3

Abstract

Introduction

Systematic uses of observation

· The influence of biology

· The influence of developmental psychology

· The influence of behaviourism

· The influence of psychodynamic theories

· The influence of constructivism

· The influence of early childhood pioneers

· An overview of historical influences

Contemporary uses of child observation

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 3: Methods of observation

Vignette 3.1

Vignette 3.2

Abstract

Introduction

Aims of observation

Different methods of observation

· Checklists

· Time sampling

· Target child observations

· Sociograms

· Tracking maps

· Event sampling

· Narrative observations

· Audio/visual recordings and photographs

An overview of different methods of observation

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 4: Planning for child observation

Vignette 4.1

Vignette 4.2

Vignette 4.3

Abstract

Introduction

Who to observe?

Selecting a child for observation

Where to observe?

When to observe and for how long?

Pre-observation arrangements

Maintaining a Reflective Learning Journal

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 5: Ethical implications of child observation

Vignette 5.1

Vignette 5.2

Vignette 5.3

Abstract

Introduction

Ethics in social sciences and research

Informed consent and participant information

Seeking the child’s assent

Further ethical dilemmas

Fundamental principles

Ethics – the basis for quality observations

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 6: Finding the role of the observer

Vignette 6.1

Vignette 6.2

Vignette 6.3

Abstract

Introduction

The role of attitudes

Categorisation and stereotyping

Emotional factors

Recognising bias

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 7: Participant and non-participant observation

Vignette 7.1

Abstract

Introduction

Non-participant observation

Participant observation

The integration of different approaches to participation

Observer effect and observer bias

A continuum of observer participation

Insider and outsider perspectives

Summary

Concluding activity

Part II: Observation, research analysis and applications

Chapter 8: Observation – a research tool

Vignette 8.1

Vignette 8.2

Abstract

Introduction

Observation for research-based practice

Observation as method and context

Choosing an observation method

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 9: Conducting and recording narrative observations

Vignette 9.1

Abstract

Introduction

Observer’s position

Responding to children and situations

Contextual challenges

Recording narrative observations

· Noticing and note-taking

· The power of language

Observation – a context of dynamic interactions

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 10: Observation and the reflective process Vignette 10.1

Abstract

Introduction

What is reflection?

Reflection in action and reflection on action

Affective aspects of reflection

Reflective dialogue

Reflecting on the quality of observation records

Four lenses of reflection

· Student eyes – Reflecting on the child’s viewpoint

· Colleagues’ perspectives - Reflecting with peers, practitioners or parents

· Reflecting on personal experience

· Reflecting in the light of theory

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 11: Analysis of observation records

Vignette 11.1

Abstract

Introduction

Data analysis

· Data segmentation and coding

· Thematic analysis

· Theoretical position and analytical framework

· Assigning categories into themes

Managing data

Presentation of the findings

Analysis of images and video recordings

Key principles and basic rules of analysis

Challenges and limitations

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 12: Interpretation of observations

Vignette 12.1

Abstract

Introduction

Interpretation

The role of theory

Purpose and meaning

Using multiple analytical frameworks

Vignette 12.2

Interpretation of emerging themes

The basics of interpretation

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 13: Writing on child observation

Vignette 13.1

Abstract

Introduction

Different types of writing

· Account of an observation

· Child study

· Reflective learning paper

· Research article

Sharing and receiving feedback

· Feedback from peers and tutors

· Sharing Writing Online – Blogs

The process of writing

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 14: Observation in Early Childhood Education and Care

Vignette 14.1

Abstract

Introduction

Becoming observant

Informal and formal uses of observation

Observation for planning and assessment

· Possible lines of direction

· Learning stories

· Planning in the moment

· Pedagogical documentation

Observation for evaluation

Summary

Concluding activity

Chapter 15: Conclusion - The power of observation

Vignette 15.1

Vignette 15.2

Abstract

Introduction

Overview of the observational process

Challenges of observation

Observation and self-awareness

The power of observation

References

Index