Importance of Observation, Analysis, Planning and Evaluation in Children's Learning from a Socio-Cultural Perspective

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology
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1PSYCHOLOGY
Essay
Explain the importance of the following components when planning for children’s learning
from a socio-cultural perspective:
Notice: formal and informal observation
Recognize: analyzing and interpreting the observation data through assessment
Respond: Planning
Evaluate: what worked, what did not work, what needs to change.
Socio-cultural theory refers to an emerging theory in psychology that focuses on the
importance of the contribution of the society for the development of the children. All children are
born with immense potential. The quality of learning in their early childhood stage helps the
children to realize that potential which helps them to build a strong foundation for later learning
as well as for life. In this essay, the importances of components like observation, analysis and
interpreting, planning and evaluating capacity of young children for enhancing the effectiveness
of their learning in the socio-cultural perspective will be performed. Young children are active
learners. They demonstrate interest in trial and error, experiments and representation of their
learning through construction and play (Thornton & Brunton, 2010). They prefer to find things
out on their own and in this stage they develop awareness of skills that the outside world possess.
In this essay the chief socio-cultural perspective that will be discussed includes parents’ and
children’s voices, reciprocal relationships, and the involvement of children in their own
assessment.

2PSYCHOLOGY
When it comes to the first component of planning for the child’s learning from socio-
cultural perspective, that is, formal and informal observation, it is considered to be highly
crucial to understand the learning ability and the degree of gradual development of a child.
According to Biermeier, (2015), observation and assessment is an effective way to understand
children’s learning and development. Educators should observe each child’s activity for the
following factors:
1. To understand what a child already knows and what he/she can perform
2. To understand the specific interest of each children and to identify the method that helps
them to learn best
3. To provide support to the overall planning as well as provision.
According to Arthur et al., (2012), the mosaic approach can be used for formal observation.
The approach uses a range of ways of ‘listening’ to children to construct this understanding of
their lives. The mentioned approach is based on Vygotky's theory that stressed on the
importance of play in learning. According to Vygotky's socio-cultural theory, children gain the
ability to extend their conceptual ability through imaging and playing. In this observation
method, children are encouraged to use cameras to take photos that they considered to be crucial
to them. Not only this, small tours are organized highlighting the things that are important to the
child. According to (Ministry of Education. (1996), it is the responsibility of the teacher to
encourage children to develop their own interests and curiosity by embarking on longer-term
projects that require perseverance and commitment. Formal and informal observation helps the
children to develop their problem solving skills. Of course active participation and collaboration
is crucial for the mentioned component of child’s learning plan. Along with the educators,