The topic of the diploma thesis—observing and documenting a child's progress and development in kindergarten—has a significant influence on the quality of educational activity and the professional development of the educator. Consistent observation and documentation helps educators to monitor their own work and further plan activities and work in the department.
In the theoretical part, I define the purpose, different modes and techniques of observation and documentation. I also describe the approach of Reggio Emilia. In their concept, documentation of the educational process and monitoring of a child's development and progress plays an important role. In researching observation and documentation, however, we cannot circumvent the subjective theories of individuals. I touch upon the influence of observation and documentation on subjective theories and vice versa in the last chapter.
In the empirical part, I concern myself mainly with the views of educators on observation and documentation, and about the methods of observing and recording observations that are used in everyday work. I am interested in how experts’ recommendations show in practice. The results of surveys and interviews shown that educators are aware of the importance of observation and documentation. In their work, they often use techniques and methods of observation and documentation, which involve lesser time burden. Of course, I cannot generalize the results, because the sample is too small, but I still think that they contribute to the knowledge of the presented topic.
Finally, I value the importance of looking for positive effects and changing the view on the aforementioned educational issues. Observing and documenting can actually improve the quality of work, help to raise awareness of subjective theories, and much more.
|
