ANECDOTAL RECORDS

DEFINITION: An anecdotal record is an observational method used frequently in classroom or

learning settings in which the observer summarizes a single developmental incident after the
event has occurred. Written from memory, the anecdotal record documents a student's growth
and trends. Such records are intended to be brief, factual accountings.

  Significant incidents or specific, observable behaviors can be

recorded by teachers in anecdotal records. These records provide cumulative information about
students' development in the learning objectives of the language arts as well as their physical and
social growth and development. By systematically collecting and analyzing anecdotal comments,
teachers can evaluate students' progress and abilities to use language and then plan appropriate
instruction.

PURPOSES

 To provide information about students' development over an extended period of time

 To identify the instructional needs of students

The accuracy of the observation is improved if the behaviors being observed are defined so that
they are observable and measurable.

Observable Behavior
Observable behavior is behavior which can be noted through one of the senses (seen, heard,
tasted, smelled, or felt). Observable behaviors are usually described by action words such as
touching, walking, saying, or writing. These do not include feelings or intentions which are
inferred from other behaviors.

Measurable Behavior
In order to be measurable a behavior must first be observable. In addition, an observer must be
able to clearly determine whether the behavior is occurring, count the occurrences of the
behavior and/or time the duration of the behavior. Behaviors which have a discrete beginning
and ending are the easiest to measure.
The Teacher Assistant’s Role in Observations
As long as the planning for observation has been done by a teacher, anyone that is able to make
accurate observations can perform the actual observation of the behavior. This can include
Teacher Assistants with training in the observation technique and also a knowledge of the
behavior being observed

The Observations
When developing an observation period, the following considerations are taken into account. A
Teacher Assistant should be aware of these considerations in order to make consistent and
accurate measurements during the observation.

Defining the Behavior

The target behavior will need to be defined in a way that it is observable and measurable to
anyone who may be observing that student. It is possible that both the teacher and the Teacher
Assistant could observe the same student at the same time and note different behaviors. Clearly
identifying specific behaviors being observed makes communicating and interpreting the results
of the observation more accurate.

The teacher should be the one to identify and define the behavior. However, the Teacher
Assistant needs to have a clear understanding of the specific behavior.

Where the Observation is to Take Place

Certain behaviors occur in specific locations throughout the day. It is up to the teacher to
determine where behaviors are occurring so that the time observations take place will coincide
with the behavior. If a student is kicking other students on the playground, then observing them
in the classroom will not provide an accurate observation. However, if a student is acting out in
class, the classroom would an appropriate location. The teacher needs to establish the location in
order for the observer to collect accurate information.

When the Observation is to Take Place

The target behavior will also determine the time of the observation. The teacher should schedule
the observation during a time in which the behavior is likely to occur and for a length of time
that will allow opportunity for the behavior to occur.
What Observation Technique is to be Used
In determining the observation technique to use, the teacher will take into consideration the
specific behavior and the information that they will want to gather from the observation. A
Teacher Assistant will need to have an understanding of these techniques and practice them
before they can be used in an observation.
 ANECDOTAL RECORD FORM FOR INDIVIDUAL STUDENT

MHR DAV INSTITUTE OF NURSING, JALANDHAR

ANECDOTAL RECORD FORM
Observer_________________ Observation Date_________________
Observation Time_________________
Student Name______________
Description of the incident

Description of the location/ setting:

Notes/ Recommendations/Actions:

Signature: _______________________

ANECDOTAL RECORD FORM FOR ONE CLASS

S. Stude- Observer Observation Description of the incident Interpretat Notes/ Signat
N nts Date &Time ion of the Recommenda ure
o. Name incident tions/Actions
1 Arpita Richika 2-3-2015 Arpita attended the class Arpita was Arpita should
10:20am- for 15 minutes then she not be attentive
11:20 am started talking to girl attentive to class for
sitting close to her. Then and that she
she stood up and walk to disturbing should be
other girl in the class. She the whole given some
disturbed the whole class. class. she negative re-
She did not keep quiet did not inforcement
after getting warning want to
from class teacher. attend the
class
2 Anjan Himani 4-4-2015 Anjana was preparing for Anjana she need to
a 10:20am- exams during library show modify her
11:20 am hour, some student ask arrogant behavior and
for notes from Anjana, attitude say sorry to
she denied to give the towards her classmate
notes. one teacher ask her her and
to give notes then she classmate apologise to
refuse and teacher teacher for
to obey teacher and and which is her mistake
walk away from library not
without permission. expected
from her.
3 Chand Ritika 6-4-2015 During the class teacher Chandani Chandani
ani 11:00am- ask some question to show rude should
11:40 am Chandani and ask her to and apologies
explain to other students disobedient and given
also Chandani did not behavior punishment
reply at first then said that towards to not to
she do not know the teacher repeat this
answer. the teacher ask behavior in
her why she did not know future
then did not reply. after
asking many times she
gave no reply then
teacher ask her to get out
from class which she
refuses to do .
S. Students Observer Observation Description Interpretation Notes/ Signat
N Name Date &Time of the of the incident Recommendations -ure
o. incident /Actions
4 Geetika Ritika 10-12-2015 Teacher has Geetika was Need to maintain
2:00 pm – given some obedient at this behavior
2:30 pm assignment times when the
to submit whole class was
but no disobedient
student
submitted
some had
prepared
but not
submitting
it then
Geetika was
the only girl
to submit
the
assignment
on time
 M.H.R D.A.V.INSTITUTE OF NURSING

JALANDHAR
NURSING MANAGEMENT

Topic- Anecdotal Record

SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY

Respected Mam Ms. Ravneet Kaur Meenakshi

Lecturer M.Sc (N) II Year
Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing Medical Surgical Nursing