More on Progress Review writing
Progress Review writing has always been challenging and sometimes it has seemed like a huge task. Reasons being many............... with so many children in the class, at times I have not been able to record observations of each and every child the way I would have liked. With the academic session being so heavy with activities, I have not had enough time to consciously record observations, and yes the will and intent was always there. Again to be honest, I have been able to observe and write better about children I have bonded well with.
Sessions, sessions and more sessions on how to write meaningful Progress Reviews! Well, I am putting down what I could gather after the last one.............
We discussed four parameters or focus points which could be kept in mind while recording the progress of any child. There are certain principles of each parameter and reminders which can help us in being unbiased and more objective. You could think and add more to these principles and reminders.
1. Developmental Psychology
The development of children according to age appropriateness or the stage of development. While reviewing a child’s progress a teacher must keep this in mind. The goals set and the lesson plans made should address the age specific needs. In Class II multiplication can be introduced as grouped addition while in Class III multiplication tables can be introduced. Sometimes we might just pass on too much of information to children and they might take the information but not comprehend. Reason could be they are not at the right age to comprehend.
Principles:
1.Reflection of my work with the child in terms of the curricular goals and implementation of lesson plans.
2.Reflection of my work with the child as a continuous process.
3.Development of the child in terms of the progress made by the child over this period and the curricular goals.
4.Significant changes observed in the child.
5.Individual level or learning pace of the child.
6.Strengths of the child such as conceptual understanding, ability to express, originality of thought.
7.Strengths I wish to bring in the child – suggestions, strategies for bringing these strengths.
8.Children move to and fro with conceptual clarity. Astute observations of the teacher in being aware of the various constructs.
9.Vocabulary development.
10.Experiences of the child.
Reminders:
1.Not comparing the child’s progress to that of other children in class.
2.Give a complete and objective picture of the child’s development.
3.Keep in mind the individual level of learning.
4.Pace of learning according to the developmental stages.
2. Curriculum – Skills Development
What are the skills that I want to bring in the child keeping in mind specific areas of learning and development. Such as reading, writing, spellings – vocabulary enhancement, number operations. What has been my focus with children in the area of reading during this period – reading with clarity, pronunciation, punctuation, vocabulary building.
Principles:
1.Curricular goals and lesson plan implementation.
2.Conceptual clarity, comprehension and ability to apply.
3.Presentation of formal work.
4.Ability to build linkages.
5.Retaining the concepts/ learning.
6.Insight into gaps with focus or emphasis on strategies.
Reminders:
Learning pace of the child.
Learning experiences provided to the child
Avoid comparison with other children.
Support and strategies implemented by teacher to bridge learning gaps.
3. Knowledge Construction
Assimilation of learning experiences, knowledge constructs formed by the child. How has the child applied the understanding of a concept. I have done adjectives with my children during this term. Can I see children using a lot of adjectives in their write ups, can I see them using a lot of adjectives while expressing their thoughts or in their conversation.
Principles:
- Application of learning/concepts.
- Ability to make connections and draw relationships
- Relevant observations made by the child
- Kinds of questions, responses and contextual sharing.
- Ability to recall.
Reminders:
Information versus knowledge construction.
Understanding of concepts.
4. Observations
I consistently observe something about a child and record it as an observation. If I have my observations in place, my Review becomes meaningful. Maintaining an observation journal is very helpful.
Principles
- Observation recorded should not be general but should tell me something about the child.
- Feedback should be a result of continuous process of observation and work with the child.
- Consistency in observations.
- Specific and relevant observations.
- Identification of gaps and suggestion of strategies.
- Similarities between the strategies suggested and strategies adopted in classroom.
Reminders:
- Honest feedback.
- Non-judgmental observation.
- Consistent observation.
- Reliable observation.
5.Writing Skills
Ability to write the Progress Review or record the child’s progress. How well am I able to convey what I want to say, am I able to put my thoughts on paper appropriately.
Principles:
- Being precise and specific.
- Use of simple and understandable sentences.
- Small but complete and meaningful sentences.
- Qualifying whatever you write.
- Clear and neat handwriting.
Reminders:
- Avoid being repetitive.
- Not using too many sugar coated words.
- Appropriate and correct usage of grammar.
- Attention to punctuation.
Documenting a session will not really make writing simpler for us but hope this is helpful!!
