No one can be totally free from bias, nor is that the point. The impressions and influence made can provide valuable insights into students. T he important first step in observation, is to separate what students do from what teachers think or feel about it. This can only be done with an awareness of one's own biases. Knowing personal influences and prejudices, coupled with observation and recording skills, prepares teachers to focus on actual behaviors.
Observations are a link between theory and practice.
New teachers can see the theories come alive as the watch a group of students. They can match what they see with what they read. By putting together psychology and research with field experiences, teachers gain a deeper understanding of the nature of students. With Parents Parents benefit from observations. A collection of notes about an individual student can be used in parent conferences.