Whether teaching math and science, reading and writing, history or any subject area, I think it’s sometimes easy to forget the power of observation.  No matter the subject area, making and documenting observations is essential to better supporting and advancing student learning.

The term kidwatching personally conjures up images of primary students.  Maybe studentwatching would be a better term?  Nonetheless, this type of assessment can provide valuable data.  But are we intentionally observing our students to see how he or she approaches a task, collaborates, expresses themselves, develops understanding, etc.?  Do we have a system for doing so?

Here’s some more information on the topic from readwritethink.