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What is an observation?

INDUSTRY

Early Childhood

CATEGORY

Refresher Module

LEVEL

Entry

AVG COMPLETION TIME

25 mins
Access This Course

Expert Led

Developed by Australian Experts

Up To Date

Updated as standards and regulations change

Compliant

Comply with ethical and legal obligations

Self Paced

Complete in the flow of work

What You’ll Learn

  • Understanding Observations
    – What observations are and why they matter in early childhood education.
    – The role observations play in making children’s learning visible and guiding practice.
  • Writing Objective Observations
    – How to write clear, accurate, and factual records of what you see.
    – The difference between objective (fact-based) and subjective (interpretive) language.
    – Words and phrases to avoid bias or labelling.
  • Recognising Influences on Accuracy
    How personal beliefs, values, and past experiences shape the way we observe.
    Other factors affecting accuracy, such as educator or child health, tiredness, noise, or distractions.
    Strategies to guard against bias and ensure fairness in observations.
  • Exploring Observation Methods
    – Traditional methods such as anecdotal and running records.
    – Contemporary approaches including Learning Stories and letters to children.
    – When and how to use different methods appropriately.
  • Applying Observations in Practice
    – Using observations to identify children’s strengths, interests, and needs.
    – Linking observations to planning and curriculum decisions.
    – Meeting professional and regulatory requirements (e.g., accident/incident reports, risk of harm, WHS).
    – Communicating observations with families to build respectful partnerships.

Course Overview

Observation is a vital tool for understanding and supporting children’s learning. This course explores how to record what you see accurately, avoid bias, and use observations to plan meaningful experiences. You’ll learn the difference between objective and subjective observations, explore traditional and modern methods (including Learning Stories), and discover how observations guide curriculum, inform families, and meet professional requirements.

By the end, you will be able to:

  • Write clear, objective observations.
  • Identify factors that affect accuracy and guard against bias.
  • Apply different observation methods in practice.
  • Use observations to analyse learning, plan experiences, and strengthen family partnerships.

This course equips educators with the confidence and practical skills to make children’s learning visible through high-quality observation.

This course is part of our Assessment and Evaluation 101 Series. Check out other courses in this series!

Course Activities

Introduction

  • Welcome to our Assessment and Evaluation 101 Series
  • What you will learn
  • Links to NQF

    • Lessons

  • Types of observations
  • Tips of observing accurately
  • Objective verses Subjective language

    • Conclusions

  • Knowledge Checks
  • Final Quiz

    • Meet Your Course Authors

    KA

    Karen Atkinson

    Childcare Resources

    With 38+ years of experience in Early Childhood and Adult Education, Karen combines her background as a Teacher, University Lecturer, and RTO Founder to develop research-based, practical learning resources. Her expertise spans educational theory, curriculum design, and neuroscience-informed approaches to effective teaching and professional development.

    SS

    Stephanie Sinclair

    Childcare Resources

    With 15+ years in Early Childhood Education, Stephanie brings experience as a Teacher, Trainer, and Consultant, specialising in curriculum design, play-based learning, and compliance with National Standards. As Co-Director of Insightful Learning and Education, she’s dedicated to helping educators create environments where curiosity and connection thrive.

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