Observations are a means of collecting qualitative data that involves carefully watching and systematically recording what you see and hear going on in a particular setting.
Observational data is crucial in action research and can help determine why an intervention was successful or unsuccessful and how the context of the setting affected the study.
It becomes especially important when assessing non-verbal behaviors, such as students’ body language during group work, providing a deeper understanding of their interactions and communication (Hendricks, 2013).
Interactive Book
Collecting Data: Observations
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Advantages
- Can gather data about actual student behaviours as opposed to student’s perceptions.
- Enables teacher to see some things that students might not be able to report on themselves (i.e. survey)
Disadvantages
- Presence of a researcher can change student’s behaviours if they know they are being watched.
- It is difficult to record detailed information as you are teaching or facilitating. It is more realistic to jot down brief notes on significant events, or incidents and then fill in the details immediately after the class.
