Me as an Observer
I would like to begin with the saying by John Lubbock “What we do see depends mainly on what we look for. In the same field the farmer will notice the crop, the geologists the fossils, botanists the flowers, artists the colouring, sportsmen the cover for the game. Though we may all look at the same things, it does not all follow that we should see them.” As an observer I have grown in terms of understanding my students and the environment they revolve around. Before IAAT, I used to have false assumptions about people around be it student, my colleagues or friends. I already had some preconceived notions based on my experiences, environment and culture which I have grown. It is very important to consider the difference in the environment and the culture that the child may have. It is easier to observe the child who matches your culture and it is harder when there is intercultural competence. You need to be open and accept the difference in the opinion. It is possible that two individual may observe the same child differently since each one is shaped differently.
I have learnt that observation is slow and continuous process, to know the child a teacher has to carefully observe under different circumstances the child is showing the typical behaviour. Observe when the child is active and when the child is aloof.
The child behaves differently in different subject areas. Observation helps the teacher become aware of the different needs and interest of the child. It helps the teacher plan the lesson and use different strategies to keep the child engaged. While observing the teacher should be clear with the parameters she wants to observe. How the child behaves in group or individually. Which friends does he easily connect to? The teacher should also observe the physical setup of the classroom or the environment around in which the child is comfortable or distracted
While observing the whole group, I observed some kids were active, some took time to learn, few needed continuous assistance, a couple of students needed individual attention. Based on these observations the teacher should plan differentiated learning in the class.
I had an opportunity of shadowing the child. I assumed that I knew the child well but after continuous observations I noticed that I had fall assumptions. My misconceptions cleared only after having conversation with the child. Listening and talking to child is equally important. I would like to conclude with the saying by Confucious “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” The teacher should have trust in the child, that each child is gifted with some unique strength. It is the duty of the teacher to help the child find his talent and guide him towards the right direction.