Assessment techniques: Observation

(Information in this section is drawn from "Assessment and reporting," by Paul Molyneux)

Observing children while they are working, discussing, solving problems and engaging in all learning behaviours in the classroom is one of the best ways to gauge the progress that they are making.

Some teachers may want to record their observations on special forms in observation binders. Others may keep a notebook handy.

Observation can reflect learning successes, learning challenges, and learning behaviours, as in this example of a teacher's observations of the progress made by Francisco, an East Timorese boy learning English, his second language:

Some teachers create checklists of skills, knowledge, and behaviours. These lists guide their observations.