NRS-17567 | Observation book [Shepardstown Public School]

The purpose of the observation book was for the Inspector to record general remarks about the management of the school, the relationships and discipline within it and the range and effectiveness of the teaching. The Regulations under the Public Schools Act, 1866 noted “The Inspector’s remarks upon the state of the school visited by him, will be entered in the “Observation Book” of the school, which, as a School Record, should be carefully preserved. Entries therein are not to be erased or altered.” (Regulations adopted by the Council of Education on 27 February 1867, s.83).The Observation book was originally purpose-printed for Inspectors’ reports to be entered by hand, and this continued until approximately 1938. Reports thereafter were made on a specifically designed form, which was then pasted into the Observation book. The form details the school and the inspection date, which was normally once a year. The form was divided into three main areas: organisation, government and instruction.The ‘Organisation’ section pertains to the school’s equipment, beautification programs, staff direction, records, educational agencies, smoothness and effectiveness of general management, and the standing of the school in relation to the general community.‘Government’ comments on relations between staff and students, effectiveness of discipline in fostering ideals of conduct and stimulating independent thought and activity, and the socialising influence of the school on its pupils.‘Instruction’, or general survey evaluates the co-ordination of lesson courses, preparation, general speech-training, teaching methods and their effectiveness in promoting intellectual growth and development, and an appreciation of the higher cultural values.Until 1943 the forms included a fourth area, “Physical Education.”

观察簿的用途是供督学记录关于学校管理、校内关系与纪律，以及教学范围和成效的一般性评语。《1866年公立学校法案》附属规定指出："督学对其所视察学校状况的评语，须记入该校的‘观察簿’中；该簿作为学校档案，应妥善保存，其中记录不得删除或修改。"（教育委员会于1867年2月27日通过的规定，第83条）。

观察簿最初为专门印制，供督学手写报告，此做法持续至约1938年。此后，报告改以专门设计的表格填写，再粘贴至观察簿中。表格载明学校信息及视察日期（通常为每年一次），并分为三个主要部分：组织、管理与教学。

"组织"部分涉及学校设备、美化计划、教职工管理、档案、教育机构、整体管理的顺畅性与成效，以及学校在社区中的地位。

"管理"部分评论师生关系、纪律在培养行为准则与激发独立思考及活动方面的成效，以及学校对学生的社会化影响。

"教学"（或称综合评估）部分评估课程协调、教学准备、通用语言训练、教学方法及其在促进智力成长与发展，以及培养对高等文化价值认知方面的成效。

1943年前，表格还包含第四个部分："体育"。