Observation/ interview1
Observations and Interviews (CO-3,5) To strengthen and bring real-life examples to the content of this course, there will be assigned observations, reflections, and/or interviews to conduct throughout the course. Please select two of the options below for your observation/interview work. If you need additional clarification or guidance, please reach out to your professor for assistance with this assignment.
1. Observe/Interview: Using the guide provided, observe a children’s group (preschool class, Sunday school class, AWANA meeting, sporting event, etc.) OR interview a children’s ministry/childcare worker (children’s pastor/director, daycare worker, dance instructor, etc.). Developmental Foundations for the Ministry
2. Observe/Interview: Using the guide provided, observe a youth group or teen group (youth ministry, non-profit ministry to youth [Treehouse], or teen event) OR interview a youth worker (youth pastor, youth counselor, coach, etc.).
3. Observe/Interview: Using the guide provided, observe an adult group (Bible study group, sporting event, etc.) OR interview an adult group leader (senior pastor, ministry leader, etc.).
4. Observe/Interview: Using the guide provided, observe a special needs ministry (Bible study group, sporting event, etc.) OR interview a special needs group leader (pastor, ministry leader, therapist, etc.).
Observation Guidelines
Children (birth to age 10):
· Observe children in a natural (e.g. home), public (e.g. park/mall), or church setting (ask for permission where applicable)
· Aim for an hour of observation time
· Note the child or children’s behavior, developmental markers displayed, etc.
· Write a one-page reflection of what you noticed and how it relates to the developmental theories discussed that are pertinent to childhood and the age observed.
Preadolescents and Adolescents (11-18):
· Observe youth in a natural (e.g. home), public (e.g. park/mall), or church setting (ask for permission where applicable)
· Aim for an hour of observation time
· Note the youth’s behavior, developmental markers displayed, etc.
· Write a one-page reflection of what you noticed and how it relates to the developmental theories discussed that are pertinent to the age observed.
Emerging Adults (18-29):
· Observe emerging adults in a natural (e.g. home), public (e.g. park/mall), or church setting
· Aim for an hour of observation time
· Note the EA’s behavior, developmental markers displayed, etc.
· Write a one-page reflection of what you noticed and how it relates to the developmental theories discussed that are pertinent to the age observed.
Young, Median, or Senior Adults (30+):
· Observe adults in a natural (e.g. home), public (e.g. park/mall), or church setting (ask for permission where applicable)
· Aim for an hour of observation time
· Note the adult’s behavior, developmental markers displayed, etc.
· Write a one-page reflection of what you noticed and how it relates to the developmental theories discussed that are pertinent to the age observed.
Interview Guidelines
Children Leader:
· Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your ministry background/experience
· Share your journey to understanding developmental foundations/theories (educational background, additional reading, personal experiences, etc.).
· Share some stories about how understanding or knowing about developmental foundations/theories has been impactful/essential in ministry with children.
· How have you kept up with key research or information regarding developmental foundations/theories? (i.e. do you keep a list of resources to reference as needed, attend conferences, read any key books, etc.)?
· What would you recommend undergrads preparing for ministry with children (or otherwise) know about developmental foundations/theories? In other words, if they remember, or hold on to, just a few key points: what should they remember?
· Anything else you’d like to share with a group of undergrads preparing for ministry with children?
Youth Leader:
· Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your ministry back-ground/experience
· Share your journey to understanding developmental foundations/theories (educational background, additional reading, personal experiences, etc.).
· Share some stories about how understanding or knowing about developmental foundations/theories has been impactful/essential in ministry with youth.
· How have you kept up with key research or information regarding developmental foundations/theories? (i.e. do you keep a list of resources to reference as needed, attend conferences, read any key books, etc.)?
· What would you recommend undergrads preparing for ministry with youth (or otherwise) know about developmental foundations/theories? In other words, if they remember, or hold on to, just a few key points: what should they remember?
· Anything else you’d like to share with a group of undergrads preparing for ministry with youth?
Emerging Adults or Adults Leader:
· Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your ministry back-ground/experience
· Share your journey to understanding developmental foundations/theories (educational background, additional reading, personal experiences, etc.).
· Share some stories about how understanding or knowing about developmental foundations/theories has been impactful/essential in ministry with adults.
· How have you kept up with key research or information regarding developmental foundations/theories? (i.e. do you keep a list of resources to reference as needed, attend conferences, read any key books, etc.)?
· What would you recommend undergrads preparing for ministry with adults (or otherwise) know about developmental foundations/theories? In other words, if they remember, or hold on to, just a few key points: what should they remember?
· Anything else you’d like to share with a group of undergrads preparing for ministry?