Module 1

Question 1

What is observation?

Answer 1

• Specific methods for gathering and recording data about children and their behaviour
• A tool to understand and plan for children’s growth and development
• A way of looking and listening that informs ECEs

Question 2

What are the steps of the Cycle of Observation?

Answer 2

1. Observe
2. Document
3. Reflect
4. Plan
5. Implement

Question 3

What is observation in the Cycle of Observation?

Answer 3

Regular observation of children as individuals and as a group

Question 4

What is documentation in the Cycle of Observation?

Answer 4

Written notes, pictures, and work samples

Question 5

What is reflection in the Cycle of Observation?

Answer 5

Making connections between what was observed and potential action

Question 6

What is planning in the Cycle of Observation?

Answer 6

Planning for learning experiences, interactions, behaviour guidance, learning objectives, classroom changes, referrals…

Question 7

What is implementation in the Cycle of Observation?

Answer 7

Putting the plan into action

Question 8

What is appreciative inquiry?

Answer 8

• Seeks to make improvements
• Recognizes and builds on strengths and assets

Question 9

What is pedagogical documentation?

Answer 9

A process for using observations to inform pedagogy

Question 10

Define ethics.

Answer 10

Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour

Question 11

What is confidentiality?

Answer 11

Keeping personal information about children and their families private unless given the consent of a parent or legal guardian

Question 12

What are two limits to confidentiality?

Answer 12

The risk of imminent harm or legal proceedings

Question 13

What is consent?

Answer 13

• Given in writing
• Freely given, ongoing and reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific

Question 14

Define assent.

Answer 14

A child’s expression of approval.

Question 15

What are the 5 forms of bias?

Answer 15

1. Leniency error
2. Severity error
3. Central tendency error
4. Expectancy or logical error
5. Observational Drift

Question 16

Describe the leniency error as a form of bias.

Answer 16

Over generosity in rating a child’s behaviour and actions

Question 17

Describe the severity error as a form of bias.

Answer 17

Negative bias towards a child.

Question 18

Describe the central tendency error as a form of bias.

Answer 18

All children are observed and rated in the same way

Question 19

Describe the expectancy or logical error as a form of bias.

Answer 19

Associating two differing but similar actions as the same thing.

Question 20

Describe observational drift as a form of bias.

Answer 20

Multiple observers will give different ratings.

Question 21

What is objective language in observation?

Answer 21

A statement of observable facts, without interpretation.

Question 22

What is subjective language in observation?

Answer 22

A statement influenced by personal experiences, attitudes, feelings, or beliefs.