1st Edition
Observation & Assessment Made Simple A Practical Guide for Early Years and Primary Educators
Contents
Acknowledgements
About Me
Introduction
1. Observation as a Pedagogical Tool: Adopting the What, So What, Now What process
as an observation tool
2. Why Observation Matters: Why this Approach Matters
3. Beginning the Process: What? The Observation Stage
4. Choosing the Right Tools: Getting the Balance Right
5. Observing Learning Outdoors
6. Embedding Observation in Daily Practice: Who, When, Where and How
7. Managing the Process of Observation within a Large Group
8. Linking Involvement, Wellbeing and Learning
9. The Heart of the Process: So What? The Assessment Stage
10. Making Assessment Work in Practice: When, How Often, Who and How to Write Well
11. AI in Assessment: A Support for Practice, Not a Substitute for Thinking
12. NOW WHAT? The Planning and Development Stage
13. What is Planning? Creating the Conditions for Responsive Practice
14. Bringing It All Together: Translating Observation into Whole-Class Planning
15. Observation and Evaluation: Two Lenses, One Purpose
16. Conclusion
Appendix 1 Note-lets for Collecting Observations
Appendix 2 Blank Assessment Proformas
Appendix 3 Completed Assessment Proformas
Appendix 4 Blank Group Plan
Appendix 5 Completed Group Plan
References
Biography
Clare Devlin is a freelance education consultant based in Northern Ireland. She specialises in Play, Creativity, Observation and Outdoor learning, offering bespoke in-person and online training and mentoring for educators working with children up to age 11. Clare played a key role in developing the Sure Start Two Year Old Programme in Northern Ireland
Clare Devlin has taken a potentially dry topic of assessment and observation and turned it into a conversational sharing of practical strategies. She weaves research and best practice in and out of examples and case studies and guides the reader away from overwhelm to calm application of easy-to-follow steps and informed teaching. - Dr. Kathryn Murray, Future Strong Education Consultancy, Australia
This authoritative and engaging book will help strengthen your professional judgement on why observation matters, choosing the right tools for quality observations and evidence-based methods for outstanding documentation.
Throughout this essential book, there is a focus on integrity, authenticity and honouring the child. Using her extensive practical knowledge, Clare gets to the heart of the process, making the transition from ‘tick-box’ observations to understanding and implementing developmentally appropriate strategies for analysis and assessment.
It is a universal and invaluable guide for every Early Years professional. - Kathy Brodie, Founder, Early Years TVThis is the book I wish I'd had when I was struggling to find my way with observation. Clare doesn't just explain observation - she takes you to its very heart and shows you how to weave it into the fabric of who you are as an educator. This book is an absolute lifeline for anyone who's ever felt lost in the process. - Sally Haughey, Founder, Wunderled Teaching
