Practicum - Child Development Observation Techniques Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

CDEC-1264-001 Practicum - Child Development Observation Techniques

Prerequisites

Course Description

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(2 sem hrs; 20 hrs practicum)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Power Of Observation, Jablon ISBN 1-933021-52-7 Copyright 06 Edition 2

Supplies

writing utensils, paper, and textbook. 

Student Performance

1.  Observe children in program settings weekly.
2. Collect observation tools.
3. Demonstrate the correct use of observation tools.
4. Summarize the role of the teacher in observing and implementing programs for children.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

The Observation Techniques Practicum is a hybrid course meaning that you will do some of your course work online and some of your course work in class.

Your participation in class and online helps you learn more and makes the class more interesting.

You need to schedule time during each week to complete your coursework as if you were attending an in person class weekly.

Feel free to ask questions -- I’m here to help you.

Honesty, integrity, and respect will guide this course. You are expected to treat all participants with respect at all times. In discussing controversial issues, it is important that students feel comfortable expressing their opinion, yet it is imperative that students refrain from using derogatory or offensive language.

Read assigned chapters, view the chapter power point presentations, and participate in discussion forums every week as assigned.

Complete weekly learning activities and exams over course content.

Attend the scheduled in-class meetings as indicated in the schedule and actively participate in discussions.

Grading Criteria

Observation Hours and Notes --  50% of Final Grade
Book Exercises & Final Project -- 25% of Final Grade
Attendance & Participation-- 25% of Final Grade

A=90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-66%
F=65% or lower

Please remember, if you do not complete the class and fail to drop the course it is an automatic F on your transcript.

Make-up Policy:  Any project or assignment that is not turned in on-time will result in points deducted.  Failure to turn in completed assignments will result in a lower grade. Please keep me informed if an assignment will be late.

Attendance

The online portion of the class will run from Monday afternoon through Sunday evening at 11pm.  

Calendar

Additional Information

Course Purpose
Ideally, this should be your first semester at AC in the Child Development Program.  We planned this particular course to give you a firm understanding of children, through the process of observation & reflection, as well as the role of the teacher as you begin this degree plan.  You will be introduced to some key concepts that educators use to provide high quality experiences to young children.  You will see a variety of examples of high quality in videos and in your observations.  All of the assignments, activities, and readings should help you prepare for an exciting career. 

We also want to use this class to introduce you to AC and the types of services available to you.  This department wants you to have a very successful beginning to your college life, and we want you to have a long and proud career with children.  If you ever need assistance with AC procedures or with obtaining help with AC requirements, we will be there for you.  Students who work hard and show commitment to their studies should have lots of doors open to them.  Please let us know how we can help you achieve your dream.

Practicum/Observation Hours
You will complete at least 20 hours a week (total of 240 hours by the final class date) of practicum/observation time with children ages birth to 8 years old.  An External Learning Agreement Form must be returned with the packet that you and your supervisor will have signed.  This will usually be your regular work schedule and making your usual careful observations of children, but may also include some time with children of different ages depending on your classroom assignment.  This practicum is intended to help you be a professional and, on-the-job-training, as provided with this class, is a special opportunity to develop those professional capabilities.

Grading for Observation hours:          240 hours = 100 points

                                                            230 hours =89 points

                                                            220 hours = 79 points

                                                            210 hours =69 points

                                                            Below 210 hours =No grade for course

Students who are working with young children may complete the practicum hours by observing at their work location.  Students who are not working with young children are to complete the practicum/observation at the AC Lab School.  Please, make an appointment with me for an orientation to the center before beginning observations.  Contact me ASAP to set up an appointment.  A negative TB test (within the past year) and a cleared criminal history are a requirement for you to be able to observe in the AC Lab School.

 Your supervisor is to sign the forms contained in the observation experience packet. Changes in the work place are to be shared with me as soon as possible, such as changing job locations or moving to a new supervisor.

External Learning Experiences Packet
Students will be asked to submit the External Learning Experience Training Agreement which will include information and a signature from the student’s supervisor.  At the conclusion of the observation experience, the student’s supervisor is asked to complete the External Learning Experience Student Evaluation.  At the same time, the student will complete the Student Objective Report Form.

Students are also required to keep a weekly Record of Observation sheet documenting the date, time and ages of observation.  This log is to be brought to class each time so that the instructor may sign off on the log. 

All four documents—the External Learning Experience Training Agreement, External Learning Experience Student Evaluation, Student Objective Report Form, and the Record of Observation Sheet will be due at the final class of the semester. 

Observation Notes
Your observation notes should be hand-written during your observations of children.  It will most likely look like “chicken-scratch” since you don’t usually have time to write detailed information while you are caring for and interacting with children.  These notes will then be typed in more detail to describe what you observed.  During each class period, I will check your original notes to see that you have done them, but you will keep them.  You will turn in your typed detailed notes and I will grade them, and then return them to you the next class period.  BOTH the “chicken-scratch” original notes and they typed detailed version will be turned in at the end of the course in your notebook.

*Although there is no required amount of notes or entries, I would recommend writing down at least one observation for each designated observation time.  This will help you keep an easy pace instead of waiting until the last minute and trying to remember what you saw that week.  Also, please use code names or initials for the children you observe so as to prevent sharing of personal information of the children you are observing. 

Book Exercises:
The text is written to guide a teacher into meaningful observation of children using a variety of methods.  Each observation activity is designed to help you practice your skills of observation.  Please carefully read the instructions and complete the activity as some of the activities are designed to be completed during your regular work with children.   These exercises will be done on-line in a Discussion Forum. 

Participation:
This class meets only 8 times.  During these classes, you will be working with a learning partner, in a small group or as a whole group completing discussions and learning exercises related to the reading assignment homework.  Therefore, it is important to your classmates that your come to class prepared to discuss your reading and observation experiences.  Your participation in these discussions is how you learn and how you share your learning with others. 

Attending class will also be a very important part of your participation grade.  Class will begin on time and will end on time as well.  Barring an illness or emergency, arriving late and leaving early will affect your participation grade.

Please call me as soon as you know you will miss a class, and I will advise you about any make-up work to be completed.