Module Objectives

In this module you will:

1. Explore sensory learning in infants
2. Examine theories of infant learning
3. Conduct an objective, detailed observation of an infant

Activity #1: Module Handout

Complete this handout as you:

• • • Read Honig (2005)
    • Read Honig (2007)
    • Watch Piaget’s Sensorimotor Stage
    • Watch Vygotsky’s Theory of Cognitive Development

 

Read Honig (2005)

Honig (2005)

 

Link to Honig (2007)

Honig(2007)

 

Watch Piaget’s Sensorimotor Stage

 

Watch Vygotsky’s Theory of Cognitive Development in Social Relationships 

Submit the completed handout on Blackboard, under Assignments in ‘Lecture Module Handout: Infant Learning’

Activity #2: Observing an Infant

Now it’s time to get to know the infant in your Infant-Family Case Study family. Make an appointment with the family to observe the baby for ~1 hour. You will continue to develop your muscle to write detailed, descriptive and non-judgmental (objective) observations. The Power Point below reviews what it means to be a skilled observer.

Link to Power Point

Obervation Overview

 

 

 

While observing the baby focus on:

• Where the observation takes place? Describe the space in detail. Who was present?
• What the baby look like – hair, skin, facial features, body type, and clothing?
• Focus on observing the baby, rather than interacting with the baby.
• Describe in chronological order, using rich, vivid details with objective language:
  • How the baby moves (please include all types of movements)?
  • What the baby looks at, gaze at?
  • What seems to attract the baby’s interest? How can you tell?
  • What toys, materials, and/or furniture the baby uses while you are observing? How?
  • How the baby vocalizes, including cries, babbling, and using real words?
  • What other ways the baby communicates, including facial expressions and gestures?
  • How the baby interacts with people?
  • What routines — eating, sleeping, toileting/ diapering, bathing, playing, transitions, etc. — you observe the family engage in? What happens during the routines? How does the baby react?
  • Anything else you notice

 

 

Use the Infant Observation Field Notes Form to take notes as you observe.

Link to Field Notes Form

Link to Field Notes Form (MS Word)

Observation of Infant Field Notes Form

 

 

 

 

 

Link to Guidelines for Conducting and Writing Observation of an Infant

Observation of a Child Guidelines S 24

 

 

 

Link to Conducting Observation of an Infant Power Point

Conducting Infant Obsrvation