Anecdotal Records

Anecdotal Records: is the least structured observational technique. An anecdotal record is a factual descriptions of the meaningful incidents and events that the teacher has observed.

•      A good anecdotal record keeps the objective description of an incident separate from any interpretation of the behavior’s meaning. A teacher daily observations provides a wealth of information.

Uses of Anecdotal Records

•      Anecdotal records can be used for: obtaining data pertinent to a variety of learning outcomes and to many aspects of personal and social development. It is important that Anecdotal records be used in a natural setting.

•      The problem in using Anecdotal records: is not so much what can be assessed as what should be assessed with this method.

What Behaviors to Observe and Record

•      General Framework for Observations

          1. Confining our observation to those areas of behaviors that cannot be assessed                  by other means.

          2. Limiting our observation of all students at any given time to just a few types                  of behavior.

          3. Restricting the use of extensive observation of behaviors to those few students                 who are most in need of special help.

Advantages and Limitations of Anecdotal Records

Advantages

1.They depict actual behavior in natural situation.

2. Facilitate gathering evidence on events.

Limitations

1. Amount of time required to maintain an adequate system of records.

2. The difficultly of being objective when observing and reporting student behavior.

Effective Use of Anecdotal Records

1.     Determine in advance what to observe, but be alert for unusual behavior.

2.     Analyze observational records for possible sources of bias.

3.     Observe and record enough of the situation to make the behavior meaningful

4.     Make a record of the incident as soon after the observation as possible.

5.     Limit each anecdote to a brief description of a single incident.

     6. Keep factual description of the incident and your interpretation of its separate.

     7. Record both positive and negative behavioral incidents.

    8. Collect a number of anecdotes on a student before drawing inferences concerning      typical behavior.

       9. Obtain practice in writing anecdotal records