Observation and Assessment Practices Flashcards
7 cards from real CPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Observation and Assessment Practices flashcards as text
A teacher notices a child repeatedly building the same block tower and knocking it down. What type of observation method best captures this repeated behavior pattern over time?
Answer: Event sampling
Event sampling records each occurrence of a specific behavior, making it ideal for tracking repeated patterns like knocking down towers.
Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a developmental checklist in a preschool classroom?
Answer: To document whether children have demonstrated specific skills
Developmental checklists document the presence or absence of specific skills, providing a systematic record of individual progress.
When conducting an anecdotal observation, a teacher writes: 'Maya grabbed the crayon from Jace because she wanted it.' What is wrong with this observation?
Answer: It includes an interpretation rather than objective description
The phrase 'because she wanted it' is an interpretation of motivation, not an objective description of what was observed.
A portfolio assessment approach to documenting preschool learning is most valuable because it:
Answer: Shows growth over time through collected work samples and observations
Portfolios compile multiple artifacts over time, allowing teachers and families to see a child's developmental trajectory.
During a parent-teacher conference, a teacher shares observation notes about a child's social development. What is the primary ethical consideration?
Answer: Keeping observation records confidential and sharing only with authorized individuals
Confidentiality requires that observation and assessment data be shared only with those who have a legitimate, authorized need to know.
Which assessment tool would be MOST appropriate for evaluating a preschooler's fine motor development?
Answer: Observation of scissor use, drawing, and manipulative play
Fine motor skills are best assessed through direct observation of tasks that require small muscle control, such as cutting and drawing.
A teacher uses time sampling to observe a child's engagement. She records the child's activity every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. What is a key limitation of this method?
Answer: It may miss behaviors that occur between observation intervals
Time sampling captures behavior only at set intervals, so significant behaviors occurring between check-ins are not recorded.