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Observation: A Practice that must be Practiced Karey Lontz, NAMTA…
Observation: A Practice that must be Practiced
Karey Lontz, NAMTA Journal, v41 n3 p101-131 Sum 2016. 31 pp
Part 1: Humans Learned to Dominate by Using Observation
Takeaways
We no longer need observation for survival, therefore we need to practice it to become good at it again.
Things to do to practice observation
encounter nature
simplify life by saying no and choosing what ideas to act on carefully
let go of expectations
connect observations to Montessori theory
practice and take time to train the senses
live in the present
Quotes
" Often we put our feelings onto others and we assume them to be true. We do that with children sometimes and it interferes with observing what is in front of us."
"When we try new things it helps us to observe."
Part 2: Montessori Learned to Dominate by Using Observation
Quotes
" This is a skill we are all trying to learn and to hone and to use-to observe, to be able to know what to do with our observations, to see beyond the behavior, and to come to understand what that behavior means."
"They will learn if we give them the freedom and if we model. They truly will teach themselves."
" If we don't give them that space and we anticipate and interrupt, then they can't be free to be responsible."
" So scientific observation describes the subject; that's the goal."
Takeaways
Montessori's scientific observation training during medical school helped her observe the children in her schools
Montessori observed basic needs in children
Montessori used observation to study the environment and create materials to meet the needs of the children.
Guiding principles for adults
observe without interfering
observe in order to prepare the environment
observe and link the child to the environment so they can meet their needs
Scientific observation
objective
does not include judgement, feelings or opinions
Not influenced by emotions or prejudices
takes focus and attention
is not asking why, just seeing what children are doing
Part 3: Practitioners Learn to Dominate by Using Observation
Quotes
" When you are in the moment and trying to work and observe, stop and focus on what is happening."
(in direct observation) "We do not have our actions getting in the way of our observations."
"We are all leaders for these children in our environments and for each other too."
" Children imitate us so we can use modeling to change behavior."
"That is how we grow as human beings by analyzing ourselves and working on ourselves."
Takeaways
3 types of observation
direct observation
putting time aside to just observe
indirect observation
working and observing
self observation
working on yourself and meeting your needs first
Tips to practice
keep a notebook and pencil handy for observations in passing
write questions at the beginning of the day to guide observations
take a photo and observe it for details
have others observe
talk to someone to aid processing of observations
write down observations as soon as you can
Tools
record keeping
keep track of daily work and organizing observations
lesson planning
the way you connect the child to the environment
also part of preparing the environment
photo journal
a quick way to use direct observation while you are using indirect observation
Essential characteristics of children observed by Montessori
a behavior equals a need
Children teach themselves
Children become self-disciplined in the prepared environment