ANECDOTAL RECORD

Anecdotal records are used to record specific observations of individual student behaviors, skills
and attitudes as they relate to the outcomes in the program of studies. Such notes provide
cumulative information on student learning and direction for further instruction. Anecdotal notes
are often written as the result of ongoing observations during the lessons but may also be written
in response to a product or performance the student has completed. They are brief, objective and
focused on specific outcomes. Notes taken during or immediately following an activity are
generally the most accurate. Anecdotal notes for a particular student can be periodically shared
with that student or be shared at the student’s request. They can also be shared with students and
parents at parent–teacher–student conferences.
Definition:
“An anecdotal record is a report of a significant episode in the life of a student.”
- R. Louis
Anecdotal record may be defined as a “on the spot descriptions of some incident, episode or
occurrence that is observed and recorded as being of possible significance, when these reports
are gathered together, they are known as anecdotal record.”
- A.J. Jones
“An anecdotal record consists of an objective description of pupil behavior in a particular
environmental setting, an interpretation of the behavior by the observer writing the description,
and a recommendation for further action based on the incident and its interpretation.”
- Froehlich and Hoyt
Purpose
 provide information regarding a student's development over a period of time
 provide ongoing records about individual instructional needs
 capture observations of significant behaviors that might otherwise be lost
 Provide ongoing documentation of learning that may be shared with students, parents and
teachers.
Characteristics
Anecdotal record gives the date, place and situation in which the action occurred. This is called
the setting.
1. It describes the actions of the individual (pupil/child) the reactions of the other people
involved and the responses of the former to these reactions.
2. It quotes what is said to the individual and by the individual during the action.
3. It states “mood cues” postures, gestures, voice qualities and facial expressions which serve as
a cue to help understand how the individual felt. It does not provide interpretations of his
feelings but only the cues by which a reader may judge what they were.
4. The description is inclusion of and extensive enough to cover the episode. The action or
conversation is not left incomplete and unfinished but is followed through to the point where
an aspect of a behavioral moment in the life of the individual is supplied.
Uses of Anecdotal Record:
1. The anecdotal record is useful for the guidance worker and teacher as it present dynamic
picture about the pupil in different situations.
2. The anecdotal record is used by teachers to know and understand the pupil on the basis of
description of happening of student’s life.
3. The anecdotal record enables teacher and guidance worker to understand the personality
pattern of students.
4. The anecdotal record enables teachers and guidance worker to study and understand the
adjustment patterns of the students.
5. The anecdotal record is helpful for the teachers and guidance worker in assisting the
students for solving their problems and difficulties.
6. The anecdotal record is better means of data collection which is helpful to improve
relationship with teachers and peers etc.
7. The anecdotal record is helpful for the students to get rid of mental tensions, anxieties and
so on.
8. The anecdotal is useful for the parents to know about the child clearly and they will try to
help their child in various ways.
9. The anecdotal is useful to improve teaching standard after knowing comment of the students
through anecdotal technique.
Writing Anecdotal Notes:
Anecdotal notes must contain factual information about a significant event, behavior or learning
outcome. Here are some tips which can help teachers to write good anecdotal notes:
Pre-Observation plan: Teachers must decide in advance which specific behaviors and learning
outcomes they intend to observe and record. This helps teachers prepare and avoid confusion
while recording. Teachers can also decide when to observe to gain balanced profiles of their
students.
Content of anecdotal notes:
 Must be dated and include the name of student being observed.
 Should specify student strengths and positive traits.
 Can follow the ABC format for recording – Antecedent (why or how), Behavior,
Consequence of behavior and Context of incident.
 Can include teachers’ comments, plan for action and recommendation for further
observations.
 Can summarize identified learning patterns.
Time for writing:
While in class, teachers can quickly write down any observations on sticky notes (dated and
named) and stick them in the specific student’s records. After class or when time permits,
teachers can refer their sticky notes and write properly formatted notes for the record.
Tips for Establishing and Maintaining Anecdotal Records
1. Keep a binder with a separate page for each student. Record observations using a
clipboard and sticky notes. Write the date and the student’s name on each sticky note.
Following the note taking, place individual sticky notes on the page reserved for that
student in the binder.
2. Keep a binder with dividers for each student and blank pages to jot down notes. The
pages may be divided into three columns: Date, Observation and Action Plan.
3. Keep a class list in the front of the binder and check off each student's name as anecdotal
notes are added to their section of the binder. This provides a quick reference of the
students you have observed and how frequently you have observed them.
4. Keep notes brief and focused (usually no more than a few sentences or phrases).
5. Note the context and any comments or questions for follow-up.
6. Keep comments objective. Make specific comments about student strengths, especially
after several observations have been recorded and a pattern has been observed.
7. Record as the observations are being made, or as soon after as possible, so recollections
will be accurate.
8. Record comments regularly, if possible.
9. Record at different times and during different activities to develop a balanced profile of
student mathematize learning.
10. Review records frequently to ensure that notes are being made on each student regularly
and summarize information related to trends in students' learning.
11. Share anecdotal notes with students and parents at conferences.