ANECDOTAL RECORD

ANECDOTAL RECORDS

An anecdotal record is an observation that is written like a short story. They are descriptions
of incidents or events that are important to the person observing. Anecdotal records are short,
objective and as accurate as possible

DEFINITION

Anecdotal records is a record of some significant item of conduct, a record of an episode in

the life of students, a word picture of the student in action, a word snapshot at the moment of
the incident, any narration of events in which may be significant about his personality.
Randall.

MEANING

 Informal device used by the teacher to record behavior of students as observed by him
from time to time.
 It provides a lasting record of behavior which may be useful later in contributing to a
judgment about a student.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ANECDOTAL RECORDS

 Anecdotal records must possess certain characteristics as given below-

 They should contain a factual descriptions of what happened, when it happened, and
under what circumstances the behavior occurred.
 The interpretations and recommended action should be noted separately from the
description.
 Each anecdotal record should contain a record of a single incident.
 The incident recorded should be that is considered to be significant to the students
growth and development of example.
 Simple reports of behavior
 Result of direct observation.
 Accurate and specific
 Gives context of child's behavior
 Records typical or unusual behaviors
PURPOSE

 To furnish the multiplicity of evidence needed for good cumulative record

 To substitute for vague generalizations about students specific exact description of
behaviour. To stimulate teachers to look for information i.e pertinent in helping each
student realize good self- adjustment.
 To understand individual’s basic personality pattern and his reactions in different
situations.
 The teacher is able to understand her pupil in a realistic manner.
 It provides an opportunity for healthy pupil- teacher relationship.
 It can be maintained in the areas of behaviour that cannot be evaluated by other
systematic method.
 Helps the students to improve their behavior, as it is a direct feedback of an entire
observed incident, the student can analyze his behaviour better.
 Can be used by students for self-appraisal and peer assessment.

GUIDELINES FOR MAKING ANECDOTAL RECORD

 Keep a notebook handy to make brief notes to remind you of incidents you wish to
include in the record. Also include the name, time and setting in your notes.
 Write the record as soon as possible after the event. The longer you leave it to write
your anecdotal record, the more subjective and vague the observation will become.
 In your anecdotal record identify the time, child, date and setting
 Describe the actions and what was said.
 Include the responses of other people if they relate to the action.
 Describe the event in the sequence that it occurred.
 Record should be complete.
 They should be compiled and filed.
 They should be emphasized as an educational resource.
 The teacher should have practice and training in making observations and writing
records.

ITEMS IN ANECDOTAL RECORDS

 To relate the incident correctly for drawing inferences the following items to be
incorporated.
 The first part of an anecdotal record should be factual, simple and clear.
 Name of the students
 Unit/ ward/ department
 Date and time
 Brief report of what happened.
  The second part of an anecdotal record may include additional comments, analysis
and conclusions based on interpretations and judgments.

ADVANTAGES OF ANECDOTAL RECORDS

 Supplements and validates of other structured instruments.

 Provision of insight into total behavioral incidents.
 Needs no special training.
 Use of formative feedback.
 Economical and easy to develop.
 Open ended and can catch unexpected events.
 Can select behaviors' or events of interest and ignore others, or can sample a wide
range of behaviors' (different times, environments and people).

DISADVANTAGES OF ANECDOTAL RECORDS

 If carelessly recorded, the purpose will not be fulfilled.

 Only records events of interest to the person doing the observing.
 Quality of the record depends on the memory of the person doing the observing.
 Incidents can be taken out of context.
 Subjectivity.
 Lack of standardization.
 Difficulty in scoring.
 Time consuming.
 May miss out on recording specific types of behaviour.
 Limited application.

USES OF ANECDOTAL RECORDS

 Record unusual events, such as accidents.

 Record children's behavior, skills and interests for planning purposes.
 Record how an individual is progressing in a specific area of development.
 It provides a means of communication between the members of the health care team
and facilitates coordinated planning and continuity of care. It acts as a medium for
data exchange between the health care team.
 Clear, complete, accurate and factual documentation provides a reliable, permanent
record of patient care.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

 https://www.slideshare.net/nidhishukla77736/anecdotal-record-43740175
 https://www.slideshare.net/amjadfrance/anecdotalrecord
 https://www.google.com/search?
q=ppt+on+anecdotal+record&rlz=1C1UEAD_enIN955IN955&oq=ppt+on+anec
dotal&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57.7888j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8