Anecdotal Records -SHUHUDHA NASEER- Anecdotal Record An anecdotal record is an observation that is written like a short story. They are descriptions of incidents or events that are important to the person observing. Anecdotal records are short, objective and as accurate as possible. Anecdotal Record Anecdotal records is a record of some significant item of conduct, a record of an episode in the life of students, a word picture of the student in action, a word snapshot at the moment of the incident, any narration of events in which may be significant about his personality. -Randall- Anecdotal Record Written observations of students in anecdotal records allow us to: Assess development in all areas; physical, social, cognitive and emotional Obtain greater understanding of the student and in identifying the causes of student’s behavior Show progress and share information Assess the curriculum Gather data to drive various decisions Characteristics of Anecdotal Records Anecdotal records must possess certain characteristics as given below They should contain a factual descriptions of what happened, when it happened, and under what circumstances the behavior occurred. The interpretations and recommended action should be noted separately from the description. Each anecdotal record should contain a record of a single incident. Characteristics of Anecdotal Records The incident recorded should be that is considered to be significant to the students growth and development Simple reports of behavior Result of direct observation. Accurate and specific Gives context of child's behavior Records typical or unusual behaviors Purpose provide information regarding a student's development over a period of time provide ongoing records about individual instructional needs capture observations of significant behaviors that might otherwise be lost provide ongoing documentation of learning that may be shared with students, parents and teachers. Purpose To furnish the multiplicity of evidence needed for good cumulative record. To substitute for vague generalizations about students specific exact description of behavior. To stimulate teachers to look for information i.e. pertinent in helping each student realize good self- adjustment. To understand individual’s basic personality pattern and his reactions in different situations. GUIDELINES FOR MAKING ANECDOTAL RECORD Keep a notebook handy to make brief notes to remind you of incidents you wish to include in the record. Also include the name, time and setting in your notes. Write the record as soon as possible after the event. The longer you leave it to write your anecdotal record, the more subjective and vague the observation will become. In your anecdotal record identify the time, child, date and setting. GUIDELINES FOR MAKING ANECDOTAL RECORD Describe the actions and what was said. Include the responses of other people if they relate to the action. Describe the event in the sequence that it occurred. Record should be complete. They should be compiled and filed. They should be emphasized as an educational resource. The teacher should have practice and training in making observations and writing records. ITEMS IN ANECDOTAL RECORDS To relate the incident correctly for drawing inferences the following items to be incorporated: The first part of an anecdotal record should be factual, simple and clear. Name of the students Unit/ ward/ department Date and time Brief report of what happened. The second part of an anecdotal record may include additional comments, analysis and conclusions based on interpretations and judgments. Features of a Good Anecdotal Record It provides an accurate description of a specific event. It describes the setting sufficiently to give the event meaning. The interpretation is separated from the description. The event it describes is one that relates to the child’s personal development or social interactions. The event it describes is either representative of the typical behavior of the child or significant because it is strikingly different from his usual form of behavior. Types of Anecdotal Records Evaluative Statements The teacher includes statements that evaluate or judge the behavior of the pupil observed. Example: “… X was very active in our English class and wanted to do just what she wanted to do. She simply did not have consideration for others. I had to ask her to sit in front. For this, she showed a bad attitude.” Types of Anecdotal Records Interpretive Statements These statements are attempts to account for or explain the behavior of the pupil on the basis of single observation noted. Example: “… X has been over-active in class lately. He won’t stay in his seat. He is growing so fast that he cannot remain settled… Of course, the inward change, the growth, causes the restlessness.” Types of Anecdotal Records Generalized Descriptive Statements Statements with very broad general terms and with qualifying adverbs (frequently, everyday, always, etc.) Example: “… X has been awfully restless these days. He is whispering most of the time. He is not kept busy. In the circle during various discussions, even though he is interested, his arms are moving, or he is punching the one sitting next to him.” Types of Anecdotal Records Specific or Concrete Descriptive Statement The teacher describes concretely the situation in which the action or comment occurred. Example: “… X did not go out to play during recess although the weather was just fine. She stayed in the room by herself. She was reading a novel.” Sample Anecdotal Record Anecdotal Record Activity/Location: Learning center – Tables Date : 11/09/19 Observer: Teacher Fathimath Student’s Name: Ali Description of Event: Ali ran over to the table where other students were completing puzzles shouting, “Here I come!” He then approached another student and asked, “Can I have that puzzle?” Other student: No, I’m not finished. Ali: But I need that one to build my rocket ship. Other student: Mrs. H says you have to wait your turn. Ali: “No, I want them now”. Ali gave a push on the other student’s shoulder and snatched the puzzle. While the other student started crying Ali ran back to his table and sat down with the puzzle. Let’s Give it a Try! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-0AlHFcQfk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9_jt5YaC34&list =PLu__5MqQAqkgByuRR36CbWbaM3nFLSsdi&index=1 Watch these two video clips and write an anecdotal record for each clip. Some things to remember about anecdotal records… Professionalism- Anecdotal records are confidential! The objective analysis is not conclusions or diagnoses. Should not include any bias.
