3.

01 Observing Young Children Key Terms

Term Definition
General Terms
assessment the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or
ability of someone or something.

confidentiality the state of keeping or being kept secret or private.

developmental norm defined as standards by which the progress of a child's

development can be measured.

ethics moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the

conducting of an activity.

evaluate form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; assess.

flow chart a diagram of the sequence of movements or actions of

people

frequency the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit

time.
Observations
formal observation part of the performance management process in a
learning centre

informal observation be announced or unannounced

naturalistic observation a research method commonly used by psychologists

and other social scientists.

participant observer one type of data collection method typically used in

qualitative research

objective not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in

considering and representing facts

subjective based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or

opinions.

Observation Record Forms

anecdotal record is like a short story that educators use to record a
significant incident that they have observed.
checklist a list of items required, things to be done, or points to be
considered, used as a reminder.

a measure of the number of times that an event

occurs
frequency count

rating scale is an aid to disciplined dialogue

running record a tool that helps teachers to identify patterns in student

reading behaviors.a tool that helps teachers to identify
patterns in student reading behaviors.