Observation is an important part of learning to teach. Beginner teachers can learn much of what they need to know from observing other teachers that they cannot learn solely in university classes. There are various types of observation that can provide different perspectives. Some key types discussed are casual versus scientific, natural versus controlled, subjective versus objective, and participant versus non-participant observation. Personal reflection on the types of observation discussed suggests that observation can help future teachers better understand what it is like to be in the classroom and identify strengths and weaknesses in their own teaching methods.
Original Description:
Evidence work for the class of "Taller de Observacion de la Practica Docente
Observation is an important part of learning to teach. Beginner teachers can learn much of what they need to know from observing other teachers that they cannot learn solely in university classes. There are various types of observation that can provide different perspectives. Some key types discussed are casual versus scientific, natural versus controlled, subjective versus objective, and participant versus non-participant observation. Personal reflection on the types of observation discussed suggests that observation can help future teachers better understand what it is like to be in the classroom and identify strengths and weaknesses in their own teaching methods.
Observation is an important part of learning to teach. Beginner teachers can learn much of what they need to know from observing other teachers that they cannot learn solely in university classes. There are various types of observation that can provide different perspectives. Some key types discussed are casual versus scientific, natural versus controlled, subjective versus objective, and participant versus non-participant observation. Personal reflection on the types of observation discussed suggests that observation can help future teachers better understand what it is like to be in the classroom and identify strengths and weaknesses in their own teaching methods.
Taller de observacin de la prctica docente Importance of Observation
Observation is an important part of learning how to teach. Much of what beginner teachers need to be aware of can not be learned solely in the university class.Teachers are forever reflecting and making decisions, and when they see someone else in action, in as much as they are seeing someone else, they are almost simultaneously seeing themselves.. Various aspects of the class can be examined, such as routines, use of time, schedule, participation, teaching strategies, management strategies, learner interest, and much more. [http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/observation.html] (1) permit researchers to study the processes of education in naturalistic settings; (2) provide more detailed and precise evidence than other data sources; and (3) stimulate change and verify that the change occurred. The descriptions of instructional events that are provided by this method have also been found to lead to improved understanding and better models for improving teaching. [http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1835/Classroom-Observation.html]
Types of Observation
1. Casual and Scientific observation: An observation can be sometimes casual in nature or sometimes it may act scientifically. An observation with a casual approach involves observing the right thing at the right place and also at the right time by a matter of chance or by luck whereas a scientific observation involves the use of the tools of the measurement. 2. Natural Observation: Natural observation involves observing the behaviour in a normal setting and in this type of observation, no efforts are made to bring any type of change in the behavior of the observed. 3. Subjective and Objective observation: All the observations consist of the two main components, the subject and the object. The subject refers to the observer whereas the object refers to the activity or any type of operation that is being observed. Subjective observation involves the observation of the ones own immediate experience whereas the observations involving observer as an entity apart from the thing being observed, are referred to as the objective observation. Objective observation is also called as the retrospection. 4. Direct and Indirect observation: With the help of the direct method of observation, one comes to know how the observer is physically present, in which type of situation is he present, and then this type of observation monitors what takes place. Indirect method of observation involves studies of mechanical recording or the recording by some of the other means like photographic or electronic. 5. Participant and Non Participant observation: In participant observation, the degree of the participation is largely affected by the nature of the study and it also depends on the type of the situation and also on its demands. But in the non participant type of observation, no participation of the observer in the activities of the group takes place and also there occurs no relationship between the researcher and the group. 6. Structured and Unstructured observation: Structured observation works according to a plan and involves specific information of the units that are to be observed and also about the information that is to be recorded. The operations that are to be observed and the various features that are to be noted or recorded are decided well in advance. Such observations involve the use of especial instruments for the purpose of data collection that are also structured in nature. But in the case of the unstructured observation, its basics are diametrically against the structured observation. In such observation, observer has the freedom to note down what he or she feels is correct and relevant to the point of study and also this approach of observation is very suitable in the case of exploratory research. 7. Controlled and Non Controlled observation: Controlled observations are the observations made under the influence of some of the external forces and such observations rarely lead to improvement in the precision of the research results. But these observations can be very effective in the working if these are made to work in the coordination with mechanical synchronizing devices, film recording etc. Non controlled observations are made in the natural environment and reverse to the controlled observation these observations involve no influence or guidance of any type of external force. Personal Reflection: Observation is a very important element in the formation of an idea towards defining ones self as a teacher. It not only helps you see directly at the flaws and virtues of both methods and teachers execution of them, but also helps us get an idea of how we might see ourselves in front of a classroom. Although the types presented in this work may have been originally seen in an administrative and maybe scientific perspective, i saw it quite fitting and useful for our current class, as they all apparently seem to adjust well to our objectives. Various methods can be used to observe a class, most of them making us a silent witness for the class and, having this in mind, it seems easy for us to forget we are there simply observing, and instead view ourselves in the teachers place, speaking, presenting, observing the students, fixing problems, guiding and optimizing our lessons. This must be done at a dynamic pace and keeping a keen eye on the students. By seeing this so close and lively, we can have a better comprehension of what it might be living in there.
Best of Bilash: Improving Second Language Education (2009) Value of Observation. Retrieved on August 12, 2014 Master of Buisness Administration (2013) WHat are types of observation. Retrieved on August 12, 2014