Acquire theoretical and practical knowledge related to observation as a technique for detecting infant behavior, with particular reference to: characteristics, theoretical perspective, types of observation, validity and reliability, techniques (narrative descriptions, coding systems, evaluation scales, questionnaires and interviews, qsort), tools for observing cognitive, communicative and linguistic, social and relational, emotional development. Furthermore, starting from this knowledge, develop the skills required for the use of observation of child behavior in educational contexts.
By the study of Observational method in developmental psychology the student will be able to achieve the following training objectives.
- Knowledge and understanding:
Knowledge of method, techniques, tools for the psychological observation of children behaviors.
- Applying knowledge and understanding:
Capacity to apply the method and techniques for the psychological observation of children behaviors.
- Making judgements:
Ability to recognize the techniques used in specific situation and assess the appropriateness of the observation procedures used.
- Communication skills:
Master the specific language of observational methods.
- Learning skills:
Attitude to life-long learning on the observational methods apply in psychology.
By the study of Observational method in developmental psychology the student will be able to achieve the following training objectives.
- Knowledge and understanding:
Knowledge of method, techniques, tools for the psychological observation of children behaviors.
- Applying knowledge and understanding:
Capacity to apply the method and techniques for the psychological observation of children behaviors.
- Making judgements:
Ability to recognize the techniques used in specific situation and assess the appropriateness of the observation procedures used.
- Communication skills:
Master the specific language of observational methods.
- Learning skills:
Attitude to life-long learning on the observational methods apply in psychology.
teacher profile
teaching materials
Course topics:
Method and theory of observation
• Myths and reality about observation
• Observation as a way to collect information
• Different types of observation
Observation in practice
• Observer quality
• Validity of the observation
• Data recording techniques
D’Odorico e Cassibba, Osservare per educare, Carocci
To do exercises use the book by Cassibba e Salerni, Osservare i bambini: Tecniche ed esercizi, Carocci.
The book by Aureli T., Perucchini P., "Observing and evaluating the child's behavior", editor il Mulino, Bologna 2014, provides online material accessible on the www.pandoracampus.it platform. By buying the printed volume, you can access the edition on Pandoracampus for 6 months using the code on the second cover page.
It is also possible to purchase online only the entire book or a selection of chapters directly on the platform.
Programme
The course related to the observation as a systematic technique for gathering information on child behavior. It includes the history of this methodology in developmental psychology; the different types of observation; the characteristics of the different observational strategies; the validity and the reliability; the practical planning of observation.Course topics:
Method and theory of observation
• Myths and reality about observation
• Observation as a way to collect information
• Different types of observation
Observation in practice
• Observer quality
• Validity of the observation
• Data recording techniques
Core Documentation
Aureli T., Perucchini P., Osservare e valutare il comportamento del bambino, il Mulino, Bologna 2014D’Odorico e Cassibba, Osservare per educare, Carocci
To do exercises use the book by Cassibba e Salerni, Osservare i bambini: Tecniche ed esercizi, Carocci.
The book by Aureli T., Perucchini P., "Observing and evaluating the child's behavior", editor il Mulino, Bologna 2014, provides online material accessible on the www.pandoracampus.it platform. By buying the printed volume, you can access the edition on Pandoracampus for 6 months using the code on the second cover page.
It is also possible to purchase online only the entire book or a selection of chapters directly on the platform.
Reference Bibliography
/Type of delivery of the course
The Course includes lectures, exercises, and cases studies, in groups and individually. Some lessons will be held online so to favor non-attending students. A dedicated space is available on the Formonline platform, in which the student can find the material presented in class, and communications about the course and the exam.Attendance
/Type of evaluation
The exam includes the preparation of a paper and the oral discussion on the paper and the contents of the course.
teacher profile
teaching materials
Course topics
Observation of children development in educational contexts:
• Cognitive development
• Communicative and linguistic development
• Emotional development
• Social and interpersonal development
• Play, social behavior, and teacher-child relationship development.
Aureli T., Perucchini P., Observing and evaluating the behavior of the child, il Mulino, Bologna 2014
D'Odorico and Cassibba, Observing to educate, Carocci
Programme
Lessons will be frontal and interactive. Guided practical exercises and group and individual work - in presence and at a distance - will be conducted to develop the skills necessary to use observation. Different tools will be presented relating to different aspects of childhood development (cognitive, communicative, and linguistic, social and relational, etc.). The emphasis will be placed on the methodological aspects, intended to illustrate the characteristics and possible applications of the methods of observation of the child's behavior in the educational context.Course topics
Observation of children development in educational contexts:
• Cognitive development
• Communicative and linguistic development
• Emotional development
• Social and interpersonal development
• Play, social behavior, and teacher-child relationship development.
Core Documentation
Exam textsAureli T., Perucchini P., Observing and evaluating the behavior of the child, il Mulino, Bologna 2014
D'Odorico and Cassibba, Observing to educate, Carocci
Reference Bibliography
/Type of delivery of the course
Lessons will be frontal and interactive. Guided practical exercises and group and individual work - in presence and at a distanceAttendance
/Type of evaluation
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