Abstract This paper presents a reflective observation from a writer who observed a general education kindergarten and a pre-K classroom for a period of eight weeks. In addition the writer observed an inclusion pre-K and an inclusion kindergarten classroom for a period of eight weeks. The writer then explains how the preconceived notions about the students and teaching in general changed during these observations.
Outline:
General Education Kindergarten
Prior to Observing Kindergarten
Preschool
From the Paper "As I began my eight week observations however, I found that many of the ideas that I had prior to the observation period simply would not work or hold up in the reality of an everyday classroom. In addition I didn't understand how important inclusion is not only to the special needs students but to the students who are not special needs. The eight week observation period in each classroom style with each age level encouraged me to develop new ideas and beliefs about the importance of inclusion at this age level and encouraged me to be open to new ideas in regular general education as well. "
Abstract This paper is a study of children's behaviour in kindergarten. It includes situations they face, a detailed analysis of their behavior and a plan of how to deal with their behavior, all written by whom they were observed. This paper describes the observations that the author made as well as his conclusions regarding the children's behaviour.
From the Paper "Observed Behavior: It is playtime, and two of the girls are at the art center having a conversation, during which they both decide that they want to do the same thing with the materials. Abby decides that if they share the piece they will both be happier. Heaven does not think that this is a good idea, for she had the piece of material first, so she argues with Abby telling her that whoever had it first gets the siding (the piece of material). Then as they are fighting, and I think that intervention will be needed, Abby decides to explain the concept of sharing to Heaven and then asks her if she understands. Heaven slowly but surely, nods her head ?yes.? They cut the piece, the person who did not actually cut, got to choose which piece of the siding she wanted in order to make it fair. Then afterwards when I came back, both girls were playing happily."
Tags: analysis, behavour, children, educations, observation, observations, plan
Abstract This paper explains the five parts of participant observation in research, discusses some of the criticisms of the approach, as well as its advantages, and suggests that, even with its shortcomings, without participant observation in research we would be left with a complete lack of knowledge of the world and the peoples that inhabit it. Source material used for the paper is appended.
From the Paper "In some ways, all research is participant research. In quantum physics, it is thought that what is observed is altered by the act of being observed. In that sense, any observation one does makes one a participant, if only passively. However, as commonly used in the social sciences, participant observation means something much more active and, because of the need for objectivity, it has its adherents and its detractors."
Abstract This paper looks at how, as Galileo first turned his telescope toward the heavens, he was drastically turning mankind away from its long-accepted view that the Aristotelian view of the heavens was correct. It examines the significance of Galileo's early astronomical observations on the Aristotelian universe by examining Aristotle's theory of the cosmos, pertinent background on Galileo, his discoveries, and the effect they had on Aristotle's universe.
Outline
Introduction
Aristotle's Universe
Galileo Leading Up to His Discoveries
Galileo's Observations and their Significance
The Moon
Jupiter
Venus
Other Important Observations Toward a Heliocentric Model
Conclusion
From the Paper "The next object Galileo turned his attention to was the planet Jupiter. In January of 1610, he saw three small but bright stars in the area of Jupiter that changed positions with time, but never strayed far from Jupiter. After repeated observations, Galileo concluded that there are three stars in the heavens moving about Jupiter. He later discovered a fourth satellite of Jupiter and he named these moons the Medicean stars. These satellites were seen to orbit Jupiter at various distances and speeds. This was the first time that a planet other than Earth was found to have satellites orbiting it."
Abstract The paper explores the validity of qualitative observational research methods, specifically participant observation. Through an exploration of the relevant literature and a critical review of a research article on the subject, this paper demonstrates that participant observation is inherently limited in some regards but that the advantages of this methodology are numerous and it should thus not be discounted as an invalid form of scientific inquiry.
From the Paper "Research methodology is the foremost consideration when creating a study. The data collection process needs to be identified and described in a manner that justifies the results: this statement should not imply that the methods processes will intentionally yield a desirable set of data, but rather that the methods have been selected in a manner that ensure the resulting data sets are inherently valid. Constructing a research methodology, therefore, is challenging in two very distinctive and different ways, as it is critical to not only to identify the means through which data shall be acquired but to establish an inquiry process that is without bias within an acceptable frame of reason."
Abstract This three-page paper discusses many observances of the Jewish Faith. The author explores prayer, weekly Sabbath, music, birth, death, marriage and many other things observed in the faith.
From the Paper "The Jewish Faith has many observances. Some of these are common knowledge while others are not. With prayers, holidays, and other observances the Faith is an intricate weaving of rituals and traditions that continue to serve the followers of the religion.
One of the most important observances of the Jewish Faith is the observance of the Sabbath. The Sabbath or Shabbat as it is called in Hebrew is considered the best known and least understood Jewish observance. It is considered a day of joy and relaxation (Sabbath http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htm)."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the methodological strengths and drawbacks of participation observation. The writer uses examples to introduce the link between ethnography and participant observation. In addition, several practical issues including gaining access to and being accepted by the group are highlighted.
From the Paper "Many of the things we now know about life were derived from research that was done to discover the answers. The things we like, the products we purchase, the way therapy is handled, and thousands of other decisions are made in part because research determined what would be best or what we want most. Research is the cornerstone of civilized society and there are many approaches that can be used."
A comprehensive analysis of classroom observations according to the standards for excellence in teaching checklist and efficacy and professional development school questionnaire.
Abstract The basic procedure of this study is outlined in the first chapter, which presents the basic overview and introduction to the research and formulation of the study. Chapter II provides a review of the literature to determine what the experts are saying about innovation and cost-effectiveness in teaching today, as well as a discussion of how these methods have been used to a school's advantage, providing justification for the study. The rationale and attributes of the research design and procedures are discussed in Chapter III. An analysis of the data follows in the penultimate chapter, and a summary of the research is provided in the concluding chapter. Includes several tables and graphs and sample questionnaires.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Review of the Relevant Literature
Background and Overview
Standards for Excellence in Teaching
Qualitative Analysis of Classroom Observation Surveys
Chapter Three: Methodology
Analysis of Classroom Observation Forms
Efficacy and PDS Interview Analysis
Data Analysis
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "The national system of formal education in the United States developed in the 19th century and differed from other educational systems in place in other Western societies in three fundamental ways. The first difference was that Americans were more inclined to regard education as a solution to various social problems. The second, because they had this confidence in the power of education, Americans provided more years of schooling for a larger percentage of the population than other countries. The third difference in the American system was that educational institutions were primarily governed by local authorities rather than by federal ones. The decline in our school systems can perhaps be attributed to the federal government's well-intentioned but ultimately misguided involvement in funding programs. These programs, which began in the 1950s, have resulted in huge bureaucracies that have created programs, unfunded mandates, and an enormous amount of regulations for school officials across the nation. All the while, our education system has been crumbling from within. Parents are sending their children to private schools in increasing numbers, and today, just over 10 percent of the nation's students attend nonpublic schools, and approximately half attend Catholic schools (Hammond, 1999)."
Abstract This paper presents a case study regarding the emotional and academic development of a 10-year-old girl, Joanne. The paper discusses findings gained through observation of Joanne in her school environment with her peers. The paper also makes use of interviews conducted with Joanne's parents and teachers. Joanne's Greek background is discussed. The paper offers one-year, five-year, and ten-year predictions of Joanne's development.
Outline
Introduction
Description of Development and Observation Evaluation and Prediction
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to her teachers, Joanne is always prompt in handing in her assignments, and usually does what she is told. She seems to have yet fully separated her independent wants and desires from the adults in her life, particularly her teachers and her mother. Joanne is quite responsible, though and often fulfills a leadership position, a position the teachers say they encourage her to aspire to, because of her apparently confident persona. They describe her as trustworthy and reliable and mature, even though her lack of independence in her actions, and her deferential behavior towards adults is not necessarily mature in a developmental sense."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the kinesiology program that was studied at the Glynnwood Retirement Center. The observed program is described in detail, including notation of whether or not the activities were challenging for the participants. Discussion of the appropriateness of the activities is provided, along with participant motivation. And, lastly, improvement suggestions are given, including personal insights and impressions that were formed during observation.
From the Paper "Program Description: The program that was observed took place at the Glynnwood Retirement Center, in Thornhill. The program was simply entitled "Fitness" and ran from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., twice each week, all year round."
Abstract In this article, the writer first describes in detail the actions and reactions of a young child during an observation. The writer explains that there was no interaction during this observation. The writer notes that the child in question has been raised from birth by his brother and that there are no traditional parental figures at home. The writer then analyzes the child's behavior. The writer also looks at the child's development skills in relation to other toddlers of a similar age. The writer concludes that due to the child's delayed physical development, it is difficult to tell if he had achieved all of the sub-stages of the sensorimotor stage, or if he was experiencing any of the sub-stages of the next pre-operational stage.
From the Paper "Most toddlers are able to stand alone well by 12-15 months old, but Nate, now 22 months, is not able to do this yet. It is also normal during the 12-15 month state of development to use gestured to convey wants, but he also did not show signs of doing this, only mimicking actions done by his brother. By 15-18 months, most toddlers can walk alone well, and can stand up without help, again Nate did not show signs of being able to do this. During the 15-18 month stage, most toddler can also climb onto furniture, and while there was no furniture for him to attempt this with, I do not think he would be able to do this. He did not show signs of wanting to greet me, and seemed uncomfortable around strangers. He did respond to his older brother. During the 18-24 month age, most toddlers are using between 20 - 50 words, while Nate showed signs of only using a few words."
Abstract The paper discusses Piaget's theories about what we can learn from formal play observation. The writer observes a young child at play and comments on her play, using Piaget's developmental theories of stages of play, namely functional play at a younger age followed by symbolic play at a later age.
From the Paper "Piaget believes that children's play is very important, because as they play, they develop cognition (Wyly, 1997). When we talk about cognition, we mean the mental process in which people gain knowledge by looking at things, or reasoning about them, etc. Children do a lot of this when they are playing. This is why observing play is an important way to learn about child development. For in play, the child interacts with the environment and learns how to control and understand the environment. For example, the child learns to throw objects, and from this the child learns about the weight and feeling of objects, and about gravity. The child also learns about cause and effect - for example, when the child shakes its rattle, a sound comes out. From this, the child learns that the rattle sound is caused by shaking the rattle (Wyly, 1997)."
Abstract The paper discusses the observations and discoveries of physicist and astronomer, Galilei Galileo. The paper also compares his observations to those of other famous atronomers such as Johannes Keplar, Ptolemy and Copernicus.
From the Paper "Interestingly, the sort of heresy that Galileo was convicted of was just the sort of observational assertion that Luther had already predicted the Catholic Church would have trouble with, based upon the fact that they held rationalistic interpretations of the Bible in greater esteem than empirical conclusions arrived at through careful examination. In other words, the Church, by hoarding all of the power to make reforms and philosophical claims about the world, had made itself vulnerable to catastrophic failure once competing worldviews were introduced. Essentially, so much had been built upon the rationalistic claims asserted by the Catholic Church for more than one thousand years, that empirical knowledge was likely to soon begin to contradict dogma. Of course, this did occur quite publicly when Galileo argued in favor of the Copernican, heliocentric model of the solar system. Yet, it would seem, the rationalistic way of perceiving the universe was far more flexible than Luther had initially suspected. Galileo, on the other hand, grasped the philosophical wiggle-room rationalism affords anyone who is willing to accept claims about the world based upon faith."
Abstract This paper discusses and reviews Jonathan Crary's book, "Techniques of the Observer," which discusses the complex nature of observing and representing art. The paper first describes the opinions of the author and his style of presentation. The paper then provides the writer's opinion of the book - its organization, structure and theories.
From the Paper "One of the ideas that Crary introduces is that the camera obscura and photography belong to two different fields of observing and representing, which goes against the more general idea that photography was actually a result of the technological evolution of the camera obscura. In a way Crary shows how this XV-th century invention, the camera obscura solves the problem of the mixture of senses in perceiving, by allowing a more direct and objective sensory perception. Thus sight becomes only a simple apparatus that the mind uses to perceive and represent reality. The main statement that the author makes is that the camera obscura defined the position of the observer in the XVIII-th century and that by breaking down this model we have reached a very important stage in his evolution. A new definition for the observer was instated, as he became an active part in the process of perceiving and representing ,also becoming now the one being observed."
Tags: representation, perspective, perception, camera
