Conduct an Observation of Physical Development (Choose a subject to observe from the list in the syllabus or on p. 175 under Questions Answered by Observation of Physical Development). Use the information in Appendix A as your guide to complete this observation.
Directions (Field Experience I: Due week 4)
Field Experience – 20 % of grade
Conduct an Observation of Physical Development (Choose a subject to observe from p. 175 under Questions Answered by Observation of Physical Development). Use the information in Appendix A as your guide to completion this observation.
Teacher: _________________________ Grade Level: _________________________
I. Choose one of the following subjects to complete your observation:
Observe an infant who is able to sit and grasp toys. What behaviors are used that indicate the child might be thinking?
Observe a toddler playing with toys in a group setting. What do you notice that indicates the child is thinking during play?
How is the child’s learning affected by cognitive abilities? Observe two children and compare how they address an activity that requires solving a problem.
How does the child use emerging cognitive abilities? Find examples of children using conservation, one-to-one correspondence, or seriation and describe their activities.
How do children differ in cognitive development and cognitive characteristics? Observe two children who seem to have different levels of cognition and compare how they work with drawings, work a puzzle, or make a construction.
How do classroom experiences affect opportunities for cognitive development? Study learning centers in a classroom and describe opportunities for learning.
How is a child’s cognitive knowledge demonstrated nonverbally? Observe a child and describe how the child’s actions reveal that learning is occurring or being applied to an activity.
II. Compile the Observation Results and write a one-page summary of your findings.
III. Reflect on what you learned from your observation, and write a 2 paragraph reflection highlighting for example what you learned, what was new information for you, what was challenging about conducting the observation, etc..
If needed, textbook information will be attached
