MODULE THREE: Observation Versus Judgement

OVERVIEW: Preceptor Education >> Module Three >> Observation Versus Judgement

Observation

This is the act of careful objective watching someone or something to gain information.

Judgement

This is a formal subjective statement/evaluation of an event or action observed with an authoritative response.

The importance of distinguishing the two is to remember the importance of a well assessed performance and well written feedback. The assessment requires objective, unbiased, and non-prejudicial report to ensure accuracy. Stating factual information from an observation removes the probability to label, leading to potential horn/halo effect on future assessments. Passing judgements, whether spoken or unspoken, on a learner’s skill/behaviour/knowledge has a huge impact on that learner’s performance. Separating judgement from observation will improve decision making. Simply put, observations are like reflections in the mirror (about a performance), and the ability to state observations improves your facilitation to communicate, influence and lead.

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