Evidence #1

Jorge Eloy Bernal Jaramillo

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