Title: Identify developmental observation methods using data collection tools.
Course: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (19153-36) > Section: Exploring Early Childhood Education Careers

Identification should include

- observing a child at work or play without interfering
- documenting the observed activity and recording the details (e.g., journal, anecdotal, checklist)
- the characteristics of the stages of child development from birth through age 12.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What are various methods of collecting data on children?
- What are the goals of data collection?
- How can data be shared with families and other teachers?
- Why is it important to have knowledge of ages and stages of children’s development when collecting data?

Communication

- What is the difference between fact and interpretation?
- What roles do listening and writing have in data collection?
- What communication skills correlate with different data collection methods?
- How does personal bias affect the accuracy of an observation?

Leadership

- What role does ethics play when collecting data?
- Why is it crucial to consider confidentiality when collecting data?

Management

- What are some consequences of inaccurate documentation?
- How can collected data be used to guide future activities for the class or for individual students?
- How do various types of early childhood programs differ in the data that is collected?