An Observation Specialist Martha Reed, M.Ed. The many important functions that underlie learning are not always measurable on traditional tests used to diagnose learning problems. However, through a teacher's careful analyses of task and performance expectations, it is possible to determine which functions are required for the mastery of skills and content at each grade level. There is also a range of behavior expectations that can be observed when the student interacts with the teacher, the curriculum, and other students in the classroom. By observing these behaviors and carefully analyzing performance expectations, it is possible for teachers to determine individual patterns of strengths and weaknesses.
Teachers can also observe where breakdowns in the learning process are occurring.
A well-trained teacher, with keen observation skills and knowledge of neurodevelopmental functions and associated behaviors, has the best opportunity to search for and identify learning strengths and weaknesses. Parents, too, have the opportunity to make such observations and provide additional important information. The key to thorough knowledge of student learning abilities is not in the quantity of right and wrong answers. Instead, knowing a student's strengths and weaknesses and identifying breakdowns in the learning process come from direct, systematic, and sensitive observation of patterns of errors and successes from multiple sources and samples how the student performs tasks when and in what context successes and difficulties occur with what consistency the behaviors occur the ease, fluency, and capacity in assimilating and expressing new knowledge affective reactions and coping strategies By observing and searching for recurrent themes, a management plan for every student can be achieved. A teacher's observations are a powerful tool for turning student failure into success through well-designed interventions.