Anecdotal Records

ANECDOTAL RECORDS
INTRODUCTION:
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:
 According to Randall, Anecdotal records are 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.
 It is a brief description of an observed behaviour that appears significant for
evaluation purposes.
 A factual record of an observation of a single, specific, significant incident in the
behaviour of a student.
 A verbal snapshot of an incident.
 A simple statement of an incident deemed by the observer to be significant with
respect to a given pupil. The spot description of an incident, episode or occurrence
i.e., observed and recorded as being of possible significance.
 An objective description by the teacher of a significant occurrence or an episode in
the life of the pupil.
MEANING:
 Informal device used by the teacher to record behaviour of the students as observed
from time to time.
 It provides a lasting record of behavior which may be useful later in contributing to a
judgement about a student.
 It gives useful information concerning an individual. The observer should be objective
and has to maintain various kinds of social relationships in which the individual takes
part, e.g. Parent-child, pupil-teacher, social interaction, etc.
 Teachers will note down the important happenings pertaining to a pupil for future
reference.
 The teacher describes the events he observed carefully and writes his comments, takes
the signature of the student; he will also sign and keep it into the file, and will be
considered for evaluating the particular student.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ANECDOTAL RECORD:
 Anecdotal records must possess certain characteristics as given below-

 They should contain a factual description of what happened, when it happened, and
under what circumstances the behaviour 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 student's
growth and development of example.
 Simple reports of behaviour
 Result of direct observation.
 Accurate and specific
 Gives context of child's behaviour
 Records typical or unusual behaviours
PURPOSES OF ANECDOTAL RECORDS
 To furnish the multiplicity of evidence needed for good cumulative record.

 To substitute for vague generalizations about student's 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 behaviour, as it is a direct feedback of an entire
observed incident, the student can analyse his behaviour better.
 Can be used by students for self-appraisal and peer assessment.
GUIDELINES FOR MAKING ANECDOTAL RECORDS:
 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 vaguer 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.
USES OF ANECDOTAL RECORDS:
 Record unusual events, such as accidents.

 Record children's behaviour, 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.
ADVANTAGES:
 Supplements and validates of other structured instruments.

 Provision of insight into total behavioural incidents.
 Use of formative feedback.
 Economical and easy to develop.
DISADVANTAGES:
 If carelessly recorded, the purpose will not be fulfilled.

 Subjectivity.
 Lack of standardization.
 Difficulty in scoring.
 Time consuming.
 Limited application.

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ANECDOTAL RECORDS

 According to Randall, Anecdotal records are a record of some significant item of

 Anecdotal records must possess certain characteristics as given below-

PURPOSES OF ANECDOTAL RECORDS

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

GUIDELINES FOR MAKING ANECDOTAL RECORDS:

ITEMS IN ANECDOTAL RECORDS:

USES OF ANECDOTAL RECORDS:

 Record unusual events, such as accidents.

 Supplements and validates of other structured instruments.

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

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