Association Between Observation and Assessment
Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education Readings
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED CHAPTER “An Ethnographic Perspective” by Carolyn Frank, Ethnographic Eyes, Chapter 1 (1999)
Unit Outcomes:
Examine the purpose of observation in Early Childhood Education pick only one .
• Discuss observation skills and methods, and the ways in which teachers “know” about young children (i.e., the observation cycle/cycle of inquiry)
• Discuss the ways in which teachers use observations in classroom practice (i.e., in developing curriculum, communicating with parents/families and colleagues, developing as professionals)
• Examine Documentation strategies as a way of “making learning visible”
Discussion Question: Answer fully in the discussion forum. Cite the text when possible:
According to the readings/resources that you have examined, in what ways are observation and assessment connected, and how do (or should) they inform your teaching practice? Why does authentic assessment "make sense" in the early childhood classroom and beyond?
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The Association Between Observation and Assessment
Classroom observations, whether they occur spontaneously or are planned, provide immediate insights into students' actions, learning preferences, and engagement. This real-time feedback allows teachers to adjust their teaching methods in real time, catering to the unique needs of their students (Frank, 1999). In contrast, assessments, encompassing tests, quizzes, and assignments, offer a structured, long-term view of student progress and achievement. They serve as a crucial tool for evaluating the effectiveness of teaching methods, curriculum, and the achievement of learning objectives (Carnegie Mellon University, n.d.).
This interconnectedness forms a continuous feedback loop, empowering teachers to offer timely guidance to students and make instant