All Things CLASS

 View Only

  • 1.  note taking while observing

    Posted 09-07-2023 21:25

    Hell, I am new to CLASS and I am having such a hard time trying to organize my notes while observing videos.  I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. For an example as I am watching I would scramble to write down something I see or hear and finding what dimension/domain/indicator it would fall under or I would focus to much on one area and where to put it at exactly. Do anyone have any tips on this? 

    Thank you. 



  • 2.  RE: note taking while observing

    Posted 09-08-2023 10:39

    Hi Brianna!

    I find it very helpful to have a grid for my notes.  I actually share the notes with my teachers so that they get the full "flavor" of my observation experience.

    I am attaching two versions.  Be sure to use any abbreviation or shorthand that makes you comfortable.

    Best wishes!



    ------------------------------
    Susan Hinman Waldman
    Practice Based Coach
    Communities United Inc.
    Lexington, MA
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)

    docx
    CLASSnotes.docx   23 KB 1 version
    docx
    CLASS observation worksheet.docx   12 KB 1 version
    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: note taking while observing

    Posted 09-13-2023 15:12

    Thank you for sharing. I am struggling and feel this will be very helpful.

    Lisa  from Iowa



    ------------------------------
    LisaFry
    CorydonIA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: note taking while observing

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 09-08-2023 11:01
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    For me, this is the hardest part of observing! I usually add a line with my highlighter to separate the main page with the dimensions and the notes page into the 3 sections (for Pre-K). Then I can focus on adding the notes to each domain when I don't immediately know which indicator to add it to when I am trying to multitask so much and pay attention. Then at the end, I can look at anything I didn't add to the specific dimension boxes and abbreviate where they belong. Over time, I get better at having less and less on the notes page and more in the individual boxes, but it takes practice. 

    It's also helpful for me to remember that the indicators are just there to guide me - so sometimes I add others to those small boxes so that I know quickly where to put behaviors or interactions I see a lot. I rely on my manual and my margin notes a lot while I code, but adding some of those simple notes to the score sheet helps me a lot. 


    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: note taking while observing

    Posted 09-08-2023 12:52
    Hello Brianna,
    A helpful hint that was given to me for note taking was to divide your domains using color coding lines, and as you see or hear something relating to that domain/dimension, mark it in. 

    --
    Alanna Williams Bradford

    This is a staff email account managed by Beauregard Parish.  This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender.



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: note taking while observing

    Posted 09-13-2023 19:48

    Hi Brianna,

    I noticed after the video ended there was a script of everything that was said in the video.  Perhaps that could help you remember was you wanted to write down  



    ------------------------------
    KimberlyShively
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: note taking while observing

    Posted 09-13-2023 20:53
    Edited by James Cohoon 09-14-2023 07:23

    Kimberly,

    Is it possible you're confusing another type of video with the videos we use in our certification test for CLASS observers? I'm Teachstone's product manager for the observer test, and I'm not aware of that being functionality we offer during testing, though you can enable captions in the video player if you're having a difficult time hearing interactions.

    And Brianna, 

    I'm sorry you're having a hard time with note-taking. It can be a real challenge for people learning to do CLASS observations for the first time.

    In addition to the helpful tips others have offered, Teachstone has some great resources on our reliability support page, including a 2-minute video on note-taking tips and strategies: https://teachstone.com/reliability-support/#Support-Around-Note-Taking

    I hope that helps! Best of luck to you as begin this new journey!



    ------------------------------
    JJ Cohoon
    Product Manager
    Teachstone
    Charlottesville, VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content