Different Purposes for Observing Children - Essay Example

K1 There are many different purposes of observations of children. There are two different methods adopted when conducting observations. These methodsbasically depend on the need at hand when observing a child. The need at hand basically describes the aim of research. If the sample size of can satisfy the need of research than a single child is observed. Sometimes the sample size must be most then one. This is because you want to establish a reliable research. The aim of increasing therefore is to make the research replicable. Thus a research with a larger sample size can be used again to many different situations. Moreover the type of research in terms of the object of study in also very important. If the object of study is an individual child, than only a single child is observed. However if the object of study is a group of children, than samples size should consist of a number of different groups. The aim of study children in groups is to analyze the behavior of child in a group. This could include the response of child to social phenomenon or just sleeping patterns of children living in groups etc. Therefore an individual child could be observed or the group could be observed as a whole. These observations can enable a researcher or parent to analyze the different needs of the child for example food, sleep etc. From an educational perspective these observations can help establish an understanding into the interests a child is showing. Both parents and doctors can then use this information and compare it with benchmarks to understand the progress in a child’s habits. Thus they can support the positive aspects and stop the negative ones. K2 There are different procedures and methods to observing a child. The observations however should not interfere with the normal settings of a child’s daily schedule. This is because the aim of every research is to analyze how the child would perform and work in a normal environment. However if the researcher is not careful in ensuring that the original environment of the child is in intact the entire purpose of the research could be at risk. This is because if the original environment is tampered with the child would lose his routine. The observation in the new routine or state of mind would not be applicable in normal environment of other children. Therefore the validity of research would be severely harmed. The results acquired would have no significance. The best method is that observer should allocate timing according to the subject of observation. This would mean that time should be relevant to the study being undertaken. For example if the focus of research is to study the afternoon naps of a child, the time of observation should be in the afternoon and not midnight. Moreover the number of observations should be adequate to support a hypothesis or establish a habit. This is usually part of the research process, whereby the researcher assumes that the sample size has been established according to the scope of research. This could also vary from situation to situation. If the aim of research is to observe or verify already established phenomenon, a fewer number of observations are enough. However if the aim is to implement a new hypothesis then a large number of observations have been made. This will ensure that any behavior noted by the observer is not an abnormality and a habit. Therefore more than one observation should be taken to be sure. On a similar note many stages in a child’s day would demand a different behavior which would not be observable in other stages. For example on a busy day a tired child would show different sleeping habits as compared to a child that is not tired. The influences of sickness can also affect the habits of a child. Different people have different biases, therefore to ensure that observations are totally objective, more than one person should ideally observe. Moreover the researcher should ensure that the child is in his/her normal conditions. For example if children with fever are part of the experiment of analyze eating habits, the research would be contaminated. This is because the eating patterns would be totally effected and different from the pattern shown by a healthy child. The point therefore is to match the research objective with observations methodology etc. For example if the aim of research was to determine sleeping patterns of children during illness than, than ill children observations would be totally relevant. K3 An effective reporting mechanism is imperative to ensure that prompt and proper action can be taken when problems are identified. This is because unlike children the immune systems of children are much weaker. Moreover the metal affects on children as much more exaggerated as compared to grownups. A delayed action could inflict permanent damage on the Childs metal and physical condition. Therefore if a student finds out abnormalities with a child’s development, these abnormalities should be immediately reported to the line manager. The line manager decides if more observation is needed in order to correctly asses the problem. This is because the line manager has much more experience on the matter. Being in similar situations they are more intuitive and experienced in making critical decisions about a child. On the other hand more observations are the key to understanding if a real problem exists. The line manger would also be familiar with previous history of a child therefore they can asses if the symptoms being shown are abnormal or just routine. However if more observations give the same results and child history shows that there are no previous incidents of similar problems, then it’s likely that there is a problem. Children of parents react different to new about their child. Most parents do take any problems or issues identified in a dignified manner, however sometimes parents can react violently. The job of informing the parents is therefore not an easy on. That is why the line manager should make it his or her personal responsibility to talk to the parents himself. In no circumstances should a student be allowed to directly engage with the parents in such issues. The preceding steps should be taken according to the nature of the issue identified. If the issue is behavioral in nature an adult should engage with the child. This could involve giving the child more support or time for discussing issues etc. However if this issue involves other children then it’s better to hire an external professional help. For physical problems the family doctor should be involved. K4 Each job has its own set of responsibilities. The staff has to adhere to these requirements and responsibilities to ensure that work place ethics are being maintained. Similar to other jobs working in working in schools comes with its own set of responsibilities. During the course of interaction with children the staff comes into contact with very delicate personal information. In no circumstances should this information be shared with unrelated parties. This trust environment is very important to build an effective relationship with the child and their guardians. This is because sometimes the parents or the entire family is involved in some personal activities which are directly affecting the mental health of the child. Sharing of this information is vital in ensuring that proper and timely care is being provided to the child. This information will only be shared by the parents if an environment of mutual trust exists between the guardians and school. The law also enforces that information such as addresses, phone numbers etc should be completely kept confidential. Therefore breach of this confidentiality agreement can result in serious prosecution towards the entire institutions. Thus when this environment of mutual trust is established, a free and constructive flow of information would occur from both sides. This would at the end of the day benefit the child. K14 The parents and most adults have a habit of trying to protect their children by not sharing bad information with them or on occasion partially sharing information. This however varies from parent to parent. Some parents do share information with their kids and some do not. Studies have shown that more often than not sharing information does more good than harm. The children do get an idea of what is happening around them and if information is not provided they make wrong associations and worse assumptions. Moreover for all humans whether children or adults, uncertainty is a very important factor. If half information or no information is provided to children they fall into a state of uncertainty, because their own logic gives them information which is different from that being provided by adults. Therefore it is wiser to share information with children during processes of change. This is much easier and more effective with older children. As they have developed a stronger sense of awareness and moreover negative effects of information are minimal for older children. There can be a number of reasons for this but mostly because they have a better understanding of their surroundings. Children in different age categories have unique needs when it comes to care. 0-3 years The children in this age category are better taken care of if adults make a personal contact with them. This personal contact must be more than a physical contact. This refers to a recurring interaction, where the same adult deals with the child over and over again. This could be in matters of teaching or nursing etc. This action becomes even more effective adults have an understanding of their backgrounds and needs. The children should always be welcomed by telling other children of their arrival so they find it easier to fit in. Moreover they should be provided with personal item that they can call their own. Photographs of parents are particularly effective with sick and hospitalized children. 3-7 years The needs of this age group are very different from those of younger children. The age of pre-school demands some special care and considerations. This is because in this stage the child going through a period of transition and feel threatened. The most basic issue in this stage is the separation from parents and familiar environment of home. When the child goes into the school he/she finds many different unfamiliar faces. Along with this new territory the child has to abolish his old eating and sleeping habits. A new routine has to be established which involves many new and unfamiliar activities such as PE. All these factors and more can make a child very anxious in this period of transitions. Therefore the parents have to give special attention and ensure that the child does not regress. 7-12 years During this stage of their life most children go through transition once again. This is usually because of a shit to secondary institutions. The child has to once again live on new and unknown territory. Therefore the educational institution in this stage should ensure that enough information is provided to both child and parents to make this transition as smooth as possible. A visiting day should be organized to give the child a feel of the new place and parents a surety that their child is in a good environment. Some parents have specific needs such as people with language and cultural differences. A staff member who is aware of these differences should be assigned as their guide on such events. This will further help them accept the change and embrace it. 12-16 years This is a very important age for a child. During this time period the child develops a proper understanding of the world around. The parents usually think that children do not need their guidance and support during this time period which is totally wrong. Children however face the same issues and problems and younger children face. Therefore to reduce this anxiety the parents should reassure them of their future and encourage them to follow their own passion and dreams. In this stage it is very important that parents allow the children to consider them as their ally and confide them rather than shun them out. Read More