Recording the observation of learning through play becomes easier when practitioners are familiar with the Es & Os, National Benchmarks & Fife Progression Pathways. Knowing the significant aspects of learning and benefits of play types/play spaces will make recording observations more effective because you know what you’re looking for, and therefore plan responsively for next steps.
When recording observations, this is the key information you want to consider:
Who is being observed
Time and date of the observation
Where the observation is taking place e.g. during free play, at a particular zone, during teaching time
What has been observed
What learning has taken place – links to Es & Os, current contexts of learning
Identify next steps
It’s up to you how you record, it’s down to personal preference. Here are some examples of recording observations:
Leanne Sweaton (Principal Teacher, Aberdour PS)
Word Table – Observation Record Example
This example could be printed and attached to a clipboard to support daily observations of focus learners.
Observation record for specific zones/activities
In this example, an observation record is create for each zone/activity detailing the skills that could be observed/developed, possible questions to ask learners and space to detail Es and Os to track learning.
Digital tools to support recording observations
OneNote, accessible through Glow, can be used to capture photographs, videos and audio recordings of learner experiences.
In the screenshots below, OneNote is used to support planning and assessment. Photographs, videos and audio recordings can be inserted to evidence learning, then notes can be added to these pages to support observations, evaluate learning and plan next steps.
Education Scotland have created videos to support practitioners in using OneNote. You can view all the videos here.
