Each of the professionals in these three scenarios wants to conduct an observation. Based on what you know now about the available observational approaches, what kind of observation would you recommend to each individual? Give reasons for your choice of approaches under each scenario. Remember, more than one approach can be useful.

SCENARIO 1:

Mrs. Kane, a teacher in a full-day, center-based program, has been working with four-year-old Greg on his social skills. Greg has a slight hearing problem, which was negatively affecting his ability to pick up on the other children’s auditory cues. The disabilities coordinator, with Mrs. Kane’s assistance, has devised some strategies for him. Mrs. Kane has been using them with Greg so he can relate to the other children better. Mrs. Kane wants to know if these strategies are helping him. What kind of observational approach would you recommend to her?

SCENARIO 2:

Ms. Oliver, a professional making a home visit, works with Mrs. York and her daughter, eleven-month-old Samantha. Lately, Ms. Oliver and Mrs. York have been encouraging Samantha to develop self-help skills such as feeding herself and cooperating with getting dressed. Mrs. York is worried that, by giving Samantha as much time as she wants to do these things, routines are now taking up the whole day. Ms. Oliver has suggested that Mrs. York conduct an observation that will let them know exactly how Samantha spends her day. She thinks Mrs. York will be surprised by the results. What kind of observational approach would you recommend to Mrs. York?

SCENARIO 3:

Mr. Haines, an assistant in a half-day program, has worked with his sponsoring community agency to obtain a garden plot in City Gardens, located around the block from the Head Start center. He would like to do a long-range observation of the children to chronicle their vegetable-growing project. What would you recommend?