Ethnography Essay
INTRODUCTION
There are many different documentation methodologies utilised in early childhood education services. Each method is linked to one or more theoretical perspective and according to personal and service philosophy, planning methods and the purpose of the documentation; educators can choose the best method for their desired outcome. This report aims to examine three different in order to examine how and when they can be implemented, which theories they relate to, and will determine their efficacy, appropriateness and value.
METHODOLOGY 1: Running Record
A running record is a documentation technique in a narrative form. Usually, the observer is not involved in the experience or responsible for the supervision of any other children as the running record is written in sequence as it happening (Martin, 2014; Walker & Miller, 2014). Running records are able to be very detailed, as the observer should be focussed only on the task at hand (Walker & Miller, 2014). These observations are written in present tense and should record the child’s voice accurately (Walker & Miller, 2014). The observer can implement this method “with little previous observation skill” (Martin, 2014, p. 68) however with more experience the observer can be sure they are recording relevant behaviour and the information collected will be put to better use (Martin, 2014). …show more content…
Any time delays in recording the event may result in inaccurate information being recorded, which can invalidate all the data (Martin, 2014). This method is often disparaged as being negative as it is usually focussed on antisocial behaviours and can lead to a child being excluded or singled out. This highlights the need for discretion and confidentiality to be maintained in observing children across all areas (Martin,
There are many different documentation methodologies utilised in early childhood education services. Each method is linked to one or more theoretical perspective and according to personal and service philosophy, planning methods and the purpose of the documentation; educators can choose the best method for their desired outcome. This report aims to examine three different in order to examine how and when they can be implemented, which theories they relate to, and will determine their efficacy, appropriateness and value.
METHODOLOGY 1: Running Record
A running record is a documentation technique in a narrative form. Usually, the observer is not involved in the experience or responsible for the supervision of any other children as the running record is written in sequence as it happening (Martin, 2014; Walker & Miller, 2014). Running records are able to be very detailed, as the observer should be focussed only on the task at hand (Walker & Miller, 2014). These observations are written in present tense and should record the child’s voice accurately (Walker & Miller, 2014). The observer can implement this method “with little previous observation skill” (Martin, 2014, p. 68) however with more experience the observer can be sure they are recording relevant behaviour and the information collected will be put to better use (Martin, 2014). …show more content…
Any time delays in recording the event may result in inaccurate information being recorded, which can invalidate all the data (Martin, 2014). This method is often disparaged as being negative as it is usually focussed on antisocial behaviours and can lead to a child being excluded or singled out. This highlights the need for discretion and confidentiality to be maintained in observing children across all areas (Martin,