Page 286 - DEDU502_GUIDANCE_AND_COUNSELING_ENGLISH

Guidance and counseling

Notes 5. The description is inclusive 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 behavioural moment in the life of the individual is supplied.
The anecdotal record gives information about the name of the student, grade, date, description of
the setting, description of the incident and the observer’s name.
On reviewing the utility and value of anecdotal records, Shertzer and Stone (1968) indicated that a
systematic programme of observation benefits administrators, teachers, students and counsellors to
(1) gain more information about an individual’s cumulative pattern of development, (2) become
better observers and interpreters of student behaviour, (3) obtain better understanding of the pupils
by the administrators and (4) help the students realize that the staff of the school is interested in
them. Such realization benefits the pupils.

26.2.3 Rating Scales
The rating scales are a means of quantifying observations and are easy to use. Several observers can
rate the same individual using rating scales for obtaining more information. The pupils’
characteristics, such as dependability, honesty, cooperativeness, self-reliance, leadership and
industriousness are rated by teachers, counsellors etc. There are four types of rating scales: numerical
scales, descriptive scales, paired comparisons and graphic rating scales. The rating scales are subject
to personal bias, halo effect, regression to central tendency and logical errors. Halo effect is “The
tendency to rate individuals either too high or too low on the basis of one outstanding trait”. The
tendency to rate about or close to the middle position and to avoid giving high or low rating is
called regression to central tendency.
26.2.4 Cumulative Records

Cumulative records provide an organized, progressive record of information regarding the student
which distinguishes him from all other individuals.
The cumulative folder includes information, such as personal data and family background; medical
and health condition; date of school entry; school grades; transcripts from previous schools attended;
school test results; personality and behaviour trait ratings, school activities: anecdotal records and
autobiographies written in class-room settings.
Three of the most common types of cumulative records are the packet type, the single card or folder
type, and a combination of the above.
Mortensen and Schmuller (1966) state that cumulative records provide information concerning the
following :
l. The previous (individualistic) experiences of the pupil.
2. The group activities of the pupil.
3. The organization of needed curriculum or guidance experiences.
4. The evaluation of the pupil.
5. The evaluation of different curricula.
6. The working out of district or inter-district, or state or country administrative procedures.
7. The present experiences of the pupil.
8. The methods of carrying out research on the adequacy of results of schooling, curricular changes,
etc.
9. The personality variables of the pupil.
10. The grouping of pupils within classes for more effective use of time and effort.
11. The promotion of students to particular classes and in providing placement service.

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