4 Reasons It Is Challenging For Students To Record Observations During Labs

There it is right on the page, a large square for recording observations.  The experiment begins and students start recording data.  As you walk around the room you realize they are not recording any observations.  You hear them speaking observations to each other, but they do not write them down.  Observations are so important.  They tell us things the data does not.  They go beyond the data and are vital in helping us examine the why and how of the experiment.

Many factors play a role in students not taking the time to record observations.  

1.  They are busy conducting the experiment.  There is a lot going on during a lab activity.  They are having fun.  The lab table may be full of supplies that it is hard to find the space to write.  Consider having clipboards and assign a role of observer to one student in the group.

2.  It takes slowing down to record what they are observing.  Students tend to want to get to the end result.  Remind them to slow down and pause between results.

3.  It is easier to just verbally express what we are seeing.  The problem is students don't have that information to refer back to later. They may need those details for the conclusion, problems encountered, and classroom discussion.

4.  It takes practice.  Writing and drawing are different than the thoughts in our heads.  We need to take the time to process our thoughts to be able to write them down.  Speaking is different than putting thoughts on paper.  

Don't be hard on yourself if you find students not recording observations.  This skill needs practice and strategies for improvement.  

Check out these classroom strategies to help students practice recording observation skills.

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