Observation and assessment are both time consuming and this time is wasted if what is learned about the children is not used to make planning for their individual needs relevant and purposeful.
It is important to ensure that pace of learning is planned for and is monitored to ensure a raising of attainment.
Consider these questions when planning for assessment and observation:
What information or evidence is required?
Who will gather the evidence?
What method best serves the assessment purpose?
Is the assessment to find out what children already know or can do?
Is the assessment to find out or what children know or can do after a period of direct teaching? Can they transfer skills?
Will the evidence be recorded?
Please see below examples of observational methods & techniques.
