Objective vs Subjective Writing in Observations

When writing observations, it is important to remain OBJECTIVE. 

Objective writing is when you document and write down only what you see and hear. There are no assumptions or judgements in objective writing as the observer should remain unbiased. When recording observations, it is important to pay attention in how you are describing what you observe. The key is to write down only what YOU SEE AND HEAR as it is happening.

When observing, don't forget to:
1) Add details

2) Describe behaviours, actions, vocalizations

3) Write down direct quotes

4) Describe facial expressions, gestures

5) Don’t use words like happy, great, good, hyper

Example of Objective Writing:

-Jason sat next to Tiffany and cried loudly.

-Jason wrapped his right arm around Sam and said “Do you want the blue car?”

Example of Subjective Writing:

-Jason didn’t feel like getting dressed by himself.

-Jason was acting up and was sad because he missed his mom.

Objective writing takes lots of practice so don’t worry if you make mistakes. Working in this field, it is easy to let your own ideas, biases and opinions (subjectivity) cloud the picture. Biases often leads to unfair treatment of children and/or families.

Want some practice?
Check out Practice Online: Objective vs Subjective Writing. 

"Stand aside for a while and leave room for learning, observe carefully what children do and then, if you understood well, teaching will be different from before"

-Loris Malaguzzi