MASENO UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT.
UNIT CODE: ECE 405.

UNIT TITLE: ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION IN ECDE.

RESPECTIVE LECTURER: DR. SHADUMA.

SUBMITTED BY: JAMES OUMA OTIRA

REG NO. EEC/00060/021

C.A.T 1

DISCUSS 5 WAYS YOU MAY ASSESS A CHILD WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

IN YOUR CLASS
DISCUSS 5 WAYS YOU MAY ASSESS A CHILD WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

IN YOUR CLASS

Assessing a child with learning difficulties requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted

approach that considers their unique strengths, challenges, and needs. This process involves
combining various methods, such as observation, formative assessments, standardized tools,
work samples, and peer assessments, to gather a holistic understanding of the child’s academic,
social, and emotional development. Each method provides valuable insights. By integrating these
diverse strategies, educators can create personalized support plans that address the child’s
difficulties while building on their strengths, fostering confidence and growth in a supportive
learning environment.
OBSERVATION
Observation in the classroom involves closely monitoring a child's behavior during various
activities, such as individual assignments, group work, and unstructured play. This process
provides valuable insights into the child's engagement levels, learning preferences, and social
interactions. By observing the child in different contexts, educators can gain a holistic
understanding of their strengths and challenges. Noticing how the child responds to different
types of tasks and environments is essential for tailoring support to their specific needs.
One key benefit of observation is identifying patterns of behavior that may indicate underlying
difficulties. For instance, educators can watch for signs of frustration, such as avoiding tasks,
exhibiting restlessness, or becoming withdrawn. Observing how the child approaches tasks—
whether they rush through them, hesitate, or repeatedly seek reassurance—can reveal struggles
with confidence, comprehension, or focus. These observations can help pinpoint areas where the
child may need additional guidance or accommodations.
Another critical aspect of observation is examining how the child interacts with peers and
responds to instructions. Does the child engage easily in group activities, or do they struggle to
collaborate? Are instructions followed promptly, or does the child appear confused or resistant?
By paying attention to these social and instructional dynamics, educators can better understand
the child's needs and create a supportive learning environment that fosters both academic and
social growth.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS
Formative assessments are informal and ongoing tools that allow educators to gauge a child’s
understanding and progress in a low-pressure environment. These assessments can include
methods like quizzes, oral questioning, or engaging hands-on activities that align with the child’s
developmental level. By incorporating these strategies into daily routines, teachers can gather
real-time feedback on a child’s learning and adjust their teaching approaches accordingly.
A significant advantage of formative assessments is their ability to identify specific learning
gaps. For example, a child struggling to decode words during a reading activity or facing
challenges with basic math problems can be identified early. This targeted insight helps
educators focus on areas where the child needs extra support and allows for timely intervention.
The ongoing nature of these assessments ensures that gaps are addressed before they become
larger obstacles to learning.
Additionally, formative assessments provide opportunities to understand a child’s preferred ways
of demonstrating their knowledge. Some children may excel at explaining their ideas verbally,
while others might prefer visual or hands-on approaches. Recognizing and incorporating these
preferences into teaching strategies not only boosts the child’s confidence but also fosters a more
personalized and effective learning experience.
STANDARDIZED TOOLS AND SCREENINGS
Standardized tools and screenings are valuable for assessing a child's performance against
established benchmarks. These assessments, such as phonics screenings, reading fluency tests, or
cognitive evaluations, are carefully designed to measure specific skills and developmental
milestones. By administering these age-appropriate tools, educators and specialists can obtain
objective data about the child’s academic and cognitive abilities, offering insights into how they
compare with age-level expectations.
One of the key advantages of standardized assessments is their ability to identify discrepancies
between a child’s current performance and developmental norms. For instance, a phonics
screener might reveal difficulties in decoding words, or a numeracy test might highlight
challenges with basic arithmetic. These insights are critical for determining whether the child is
progressing as expected or if there are underlying issues requiring further attention, such as
learning disabilities or developmental delays.
It is essential to use tools that are well-aligned with the curriculum and tailored to target specific
learning areas. Literacy screeners, for example, can assess reading fluency and comprehension,
while numeracy tools can evaluate understanding of fundamental math concepts. The results
from these assessments not only guide educators in planning effective interventions but also help
communicate progress and needs to parents and other stakeholders in the child’s learning
journey.
WORK SAMPLES AND PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT
Work samples and portfolio assessments involve gathering and analyzing a child’s work over
time, offering a detailed picture of their academic and creative development. These samples may
include writing assignments, math exercises, art projects, or other classroom tasks that reflect the
child’s abilities and efforts. By maintaining a portfolio, educators and parents can track changes
in the child’s performance and identify patterns that may not be immediately evident in daily
observations or standardized assessments.
Portfolios are particularly effective in highlighting consistent errors or notable improvements in
specific skills. For example, recurring spelling mistakes in writing assignments may point to
difficulties in phonics, while steady improvement in solving math problems could indicate
growing confidence and mastery. These trends allow educators to focus on targeted interventions
while celebrating progress, boosting the child’s motivation and self-esteem.
Another key benefit of portfolio assessment is the ability to compare the child’s effort and
quality across different tasks. This analysis can reveal preferences and strengths, such as
excelling in creative projects, alongside areas where they may need more guidance or support.
By providing a holistic view of the child’s learning journey, portfolios empower educators to
make informed decisions and create personalized strategies that address the child’s unique needs
and potential.
PEER AND GROUP ASSESSMENTS
Peer and group assessments provide valuable insights into a child’s social and academic
interactions within a collaborative setting. Observing how a child participates in group activities
—such as discussions, problem-solving tasks, or creative projects—can reveal their ability to
cooperate, communicate, and contribute effectively. These observations help educators
understand how the child navigates social dynamics and whether they take on leadership roles,
actively participate, or struggle to engage with peers.
Peer assessments, when used appropriately, offer another layer of perspective by capturing how
others perceive the child’s contributions to group tasks. Feedback from peers can highlight
strengths, such as being supportive or offering innovative ideas, as well as areas for
improvement, like needing to take more initiative or listening to others. This input can be
particularly helpful in fostering a deeper understanding of the child’s interpersonal skills and
how their actions impact group dynamics.
Combining observations with peer assessments provides a well-rounded view of the child’s
collaboration skills. This information is crucial for identifying social strengths and challenges,
which are key components of both academic success and personal development. It also enables
educators to design interventions that enhance teamwork skills, encourage meaningful
participation, and build confidence in collaborative settings.

CONCLUSION
By utilizing these five assessment methods—observations, formative assessments,
standardized tools, work samples, and peer assessments—teachers can gather a comprehensive
understanding of a child's learning needs.
 REFERENCES

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Principles, Policy & Practice, 5(1), 7-74.

Fletcher, J. M., Lyon, G. R., Fuchs, L. S., & Barnes, M. A. (2007). Learning disabilities: From

identification to intervention. Guilford Press.

Kagan, S., & Kagan, M. (2009). Kagan cooperative learning. Kagan Publishing.

O'Connor, R. E., & Jenkins, J. R. (1999). Effective teaching strategies that promote literacy in

children with learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 14(3), 137-145.

Wolf, S. A., & Morrison, D. (2002). Portfolio assessment: A guide for teachers. National

Association for the Education of Young Children.