Following the particular child around and take detailed field notes for analysis later. Favoured by education practitioners as it can help in improving learning environment for children.

Use specifically on “new” child or “problematic” baby or whenever there is an obvious reason to get detailed observation of that particular child.

Recording on a pro forma or observation sheet in form of short-hand codes and long-hand details providing an account of what the child said, do and with whom.

Advantages:

• Flexible
• For research interests and questions

Disadvantages:

• Hard to use
• Need qualified observer