Conducting a Structured Observation Why conduct a structured

Conducting a Structured Observation

Why conduct a structured observation? The professional School Counselor can access … • Student behavior • Classroom environment • School climate • Instructor behavior • Impact of physical and/or psychological disabilities of students in school

Behavioral Assessment • (FBA) Functional Behavioral Assessment has been an important aspect of the U. S. education system since 1997 as part of the Individual with Disabilities Act. • Behavior should not be examined in isolation, but instead should be examined in existing environmental conditions.

Planning the Structured Observation Two methods available: Direct and Indirect: Direct: Higher credibility and the best chance of obtaining important information. However, individuals can become reactive during observation. Indirect: May include reports of past events, selfreports from students, interviews of students and other behaviors and data ie; surveys, etc.

Drummond identified four areas to be addressed while conducting observations: 1. Observable behavior understood by observer 2. Easy method of recording behavior 3. Eliminate observer distractions 4. Treat the person being observed with respect

Summary Structured observations can help educators understand the nature of the academic environment. It is important to collaborate with other stakeholders such as; teachers, parents, students and administrators to gather other views to help clearly identify the issues at hand