What is a Running Record Observation?
A running record observation is a systematic method for documenting a child's performance as it unfolds during an activity or lesson. It involves taking notes in real-time to capture a child's verbal and non-verbal behaviors, thoughts, and actions. This form of assessment is particularly beneficial in understanding children's development in literacy, social skills, and cognitive abilities.
Purpose of Running Record Observations
Running record observations serve multiple purposes, including:
- Assessment of Skills: They help educators assess a child's current skills and areas that may need further development.
- Understanding Learning Styles: Observations can reveal how children learn best, whether through visual, auditory, or kinesthetic means.
- Informing Instruction: The data gathered can guide teachers in tailoring their instructional strategies to meet individual needs.
- Tracking Progress: By documenting behaviors over time, educators can track a child's development and growth.
How to Conduct a Running Record Observation
Executing a running record observation involves several key steps to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. Here’s a structured approach:
- Preparation: Before the observation, identify the focus of the observation (e.g., literacy skills, social interactions, problem-solving abilities).
- Select a Setting: Choose a setting where the child feels comfortable and is likely to engage in natural behaviors, such as during free play or a guided activity.
- Gather Materials: Ensure you have the necessary materials, such as a notebook, pen, and any relevant assessment tools.
- Document Events: As the observation unfolds, write down everything you see and hear. Use abbreviations and symbols to keep up with the pace of the activity.
- Reflect: After the observation, review your notes to identify patterns and insights about the child’s behavior and learning.
Example of a Running Record Observation
To illustrate the process of running record observation, consider the following example involving a kindergarten classroom during a reading activity.
Setting:
A small group of five children is seated on a colorful rug, engaged in a shared reading of a picture book titled "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. The teacher, Ms. Johnson, is facilitating the reading session.
Observation Notes (Running Record):
- 10:00 AM: The children sit in a circle, facing Ms. Johnson. They appear excited and curious about the book.
- 10:01 AM: Ms. Johnson opens the book and asks, "What do you think this story is about?"
- Child A (Liam): "It’s about a caterpillar!"
- Child B (Sofia): "Look at all the food!"
- 10:02 AM: Ms. Johnson begins reading. Liam leans forward, pointing at the illustrations. Sofia whispers to Child C (Mia) about her favorite fruit.
- 10:03 AM: Ms. Johnson pauses on a page with various foods and asks, "What is your favorite food?"
- Child D (Noah): "I like cake!"
- Child C (Mia): "I like ice cream!"
- 10:05 AM: Ms. Johnson encourages them to count the foods on the page.
- Liam: "One, two, three…"
- Noah: "I see four!"
- 10:07 AM: The reading continues. Sofia raises her hand and says, "The caterpillar is getting bigger!"
- 10:10 AM: Ms. Johnson asks, "What do you think will happen next?"
- Mia: "He’ll turn into a butterfly!"
- Noah: "Yeah, he eats all the food!"
- 10:12 AM: The session wraps up. Ms. Johnson praises their participation and encourages them to draw their favorite part of the story.
Analyzing the Running Record
After conducting the observation, it’s essential to analyze the notes to glean insights about the children's learning experiences and interactions.
Key Observations
The following points can be derived from the running record:
- Engagement Levels: All children displayed high levels of engagement during the reading session, indicated by their active participation in discussions and enthusiasm about the story.
- Social Interaction: The children effectively communicated with one another, expressing their thoughts and preferences. This indicates strong social skills and comfort within the group.
- Cognitive Skills: The ability to count the foods and predict what would happen next showcases their developing cognitive skills and comprehension abilities.
- Language Development: The children used appropriate language and vocabulary related to the story, indicating growth in their language development.
Implications for Instruction
The insights gained from the running record observation can inform future instructional decisions:
- Literacy Activities: The teacher can design additional literacy activities focused on counting and identifying favorite foods, integrating math concepts with reading.
- Encouraging Predictions: Building on the children's interest in predicting story outcomes, Ms. Johnson could introduce more books that invite similar discussions.
- Promoting Social Skills: Since the children interacted well, the teacher can continue to use group reading sessions to foster collaboration and communication.
Conclusion
An example of running record observation illustrates how educators can gain valuable insights into children's learning and development. By systematically documenting observations, educators can assess skills, understand learning styles, and tailor instruction to meet individual needs. This method not only enhances teaching practices but also supports children's growth, ensuring they receive a well-rounded educational experience. As this practice becomes more prevalent in educational settings, it will continue to play a vital role in shaping effective instruction and fostering children's development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a running record observation?
A running record observation is a method of documenting a child's behavior and interactions over a specific period, typically used in educational settings to assess learning and development.
How do you conduct a running record observation?
To conduct a running record observation, you should select a time frame, observe the child unobtrusively, and write down everything the child says and does during that period without interpreting or summarizing the information.
What are the benefits of using running record observations?
Running record observations provide detailed insights into a child's behavior, learning style, and social interactions, helping educators tailor instruction and support to individual needs.
What should be included in a running record observation?
A running record observation should include the date and time, context of the observation, a detailed account of the child's actions and words, and any relevant environmental factors.
Can running record observations be used for assessing literacy?
Yes, running record observations are commonly used to assess literacy by tracking a child's reading behaviors, comprehension, and oral language skills during reading activities.
How can running record observations inform teaching practices?
Running record observations can inform teaching practices by highlighting areas where a child excels or struggles, allowing educators to adjust their instructional strategies to better meet the child's needs.
What is the difference between a running record and anecdotal records?
A running record captures a continuous narrative of a child's behavior in real-time, while anecdotal records are brief, specific accounts of particular incidents or behaviors that are recorded after they occur.
How often should running record observations be conducted?
The frequency of running record observations can vary depending on the goals of the assessment, but they are typically conducted regularly—such as weekly or monthly—to monitor progress over time.
