Keeping an eye on children. observation and documentation as a constitutive feature of professionalism in German ECEC

Abstract

In the past two decades, the observation and documentation of children’s actions in terms of developmental and educational aspects have become a constitutive and routine component of early childhood education and care (ECEC) practice and research. This complex has become an essential core competence for those engaged in this field. This study examines the imparting and practising of instrumentally supported observation and documentation as the habitualisation of a new type of profession. In our praxeologically framed contribution we therefore ask how the relationship between children and professionals and with it the pedagogical reality and practices in ECEC change through observation and documentation. The empirical basis is provided by training courses for kindergarten teachers and everyday situations from various kindergartens. Our empirical analysis shows that the teachers are urged to acquire a style of cognition with the aid of visual techniques. At the same time, this cognitive style is not limited to the mere acquisition of knowledge bases and options for action but forms the basis of a transformation process.