EAD202 - Observation Methodology

Subject Title
Observation Methodology

Subject Description
Students will observe record and assess young children's development and learning for the purpose of planning appropriate programs, environments, interactions and adapting for individual differences including special needs. The use of formal and informal assessment instruments and strategies to diagnose and assess young children's learning and development, using the assessment information to plan developmentally appropriate experiences for young children and develop IEPs, will be examined. Students will examine current practices and trends in observation. Students will have opportunities to observe children through in-class, real-time and archived video guided observations. Issues of confidentiality, family involvement, accuracy and meaningfulness in appropriate assessment will be addressed as the student completes a comprehensive developmental case study of a single child.

Credit Status
EAD 202 is a required subject in the Bachelor of Child Development.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:



1.  Observe and record essential information about young children's actions and behaviors.

2.  Select and appropriately use a variety of informal assessments strategies (e.g. portfolios, photographs, and videos, event and time samples, and anecdotes).

3.  Administer and interpret the result of formal assessment instruments.

4.  Integrate a variety of assessment data and interpret the data to understand each child's strengths, needs and progress.

5.  Describe the major purpose of assessment is to provide appropriate programs and environments for young children.

6.  Explain and justify formal and informal assessments as an indispensable part of reflective teaching and learning.

7.  Develop methods of involving families in assessing and planning for their children.

8.  Devise methods for young children to document their learning and use the documentation to raise new questions, plan new learning experiences, and demonstrate their learning progress to teachers, parents, and other children and adults.

9.  Communicate assessment results to young children their parents, and other professionals.

10.  Evaluate the role of cultural context and interpretation in the observation process.

11.  Document data and record children's progress.

12.  Apply child development theory in the observation process.

13.  Describe the role of technology in observing and assessing the young child.

14.  Compare and contrast strategies for measurement and evaluation.

15.  Compile reports on standardized, norm and criterion-referenced tests results.

16.  Compare and contrast observation evaluation measures, their types and uses, advantages and disadvantages, and guidelines for use.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.