There are several systems of recording a student's behavior, but observation surpasses the rest. Observation involves the physical acquisition of data from the students, hence primary sources. Through observation, a teacher or aide gets to interact with the students directly; thus, the precision of information they get therein. There are various recording systems used to obtain this information from the students.
Frequency Recording
The method involves considering a specific time taken to determine the particular number of times a particular behavior occurs. For instance, a teacher may count the number of times one specific student submits his/her to determine a specific behavior (Kawulich, 2012). This is another way of frequency recording. This method is most precise with behaviors that take place in a short period, like how long a student can walk before checking on their phones, without kicking anything on the way.
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Interval Recording
According to Ameyaw et al., tutor or aide glimpses at a student at different intervals of time. Teachers record behavioral occurrence, and a repeat of the same within particular set intervals and obtain the percentage of observations the behavior happened. An example of behavior recorded using this method is tossing pens in the air by a student while in class.
Duration Recording
The method is a system of record, which takes the percentage of time under which the behavior happens during the set period. The number of times the act occurred divided by the total designated period that it was taking place. The method is preferred for those actions that frequently repeat for more than a second. The teacher does not need to keep an eye every time. For instance, when a student is hitting shoes on the desk while seated in class or crying.
Latency Recording
This technique measures how long it takes for an action to begin again after the observer has asked the student a question (Contrada, 2012). Usually, the act requires advanced ways of recording. In this case, a teacher can use a camera or a stopwatch to record the time it started. Some actions by students are a result of the verbal statement made before, for example, murmuring.
Conclusion
The observational behavior recording system is the most reliable method of collecting data from students. It involves direct interaction; thus, an observer can get first-hand information and get to know the different characteristics of his or her students.
References
Ameyaw, K. B., Ofori, K. N., Adjepong, B., & Assem, H. D. Using Observational Techniques as Assessment Instruments to Improve Learners’ Performance at Nkawkaw, Ghana.
Contrada, J. (2012). Implementation of Positive Behavior Support in a Preschool Setting (Doctoral dissertation, Caldwell College).
Kawulich, B. (2012). Collecting data through observation. Doing social research: A global context , 150-160.
