Teaching Behavioral Observations: An Action Research Project

Opportunities to practice professional skills in real life situations can be both powerful and elusive when it comes to the college classroom. Such practice is especially useful as students work to develop observation skills. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists must have foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively use observation in practice (NCTRC, 2008). Educators must balance efficient use of limited classroom time with effective teaching strategies. This action research project explores one strategy for efficiently and effectively using class time to provide authentic settings for improving observation skills. Discussion explores implication regarding the presented approach to teaching observation skills, as well as recommendations for future research.