Observation and Classroom Projects

The ECL welcomes student observers and researchers.  As stated in the ECL purposes, ECL is actively involved with the faculty from across the university in supporting course instruction with practical experience.  Observation booths and classrooms provide the physical facilities for students to conduct observations and class projects at the ECL.  Class lists containing children's first names and birthdates are posted in the observation booths.  In addition, class schedules are also posted in the booths.  In classrooms, children wear nametags to facilitate observations and class projects.

Some examples of past research projects are the following:

• Using the ECL facilities as a starting point in designing a child care center
• Measuring children's emergent literacy skills through enhancing book reading and computer usage
• Studying vocal imitation of pitch in infants
• Identifying children's perception on gender difference
• Assessing children with various screening tests
• Interview preschoolers regarding their self-esteem and race
• Interview ECL teachers, parents, and the director about issues in early childhood education

The following departments and colleges used the ECL facilities to provide the practical application for the material taught:

• Education
• Educational Policy Studies and Evalation
• Family Studies
• Landscape Architecture
• Music
• Nursing
• Clinical Psychology
• Sociology
• Special Education

General Policies

• All students must be enrolled in a course or sponsered by a faculty member.
• All students must see or call the ECL director for scheduling their observation and class project dates.
• "Class Project Request" forms and the "Request for Photograph and/or Videotape" forms are available in room #12, or fill out and print online by following the hyperlink.  The "Observation Sign-In" form is located on the bulletin board across from Room #12 of the ECL.

Class Projects

Requests to use the facilities for research purposes by faculty and/or students at the university must be made in writting to the director.  The Class Project Request form can be obtained from the ECL office.  The Director will present the proposal to the labrotory staff for initial cinsideration; the principal investigator may be requested to attend a meeting to clarify questions and concerns.  Criteria for evaluation of such proposal focus on:  (a) protection of human subject, (b) well-conceptualized methodology, (c) ease of fit with current ongoing children's program and/or parent program, and (d) ease of coordination with other laboratory projects and responsibilities.   Principal investigators will be notified in writting of the staff's decision.   The review process will require no longer than two weeks.

Photographing of Videotaping

Complete a "Request to Photograph and/or Videotape" form at least three days prior to the photographing day.  Please use the first names only when identifying children of staff in the photographs.

Observation

Requests must be made at least one day proir to the observation day to the director who is responsible for regulating the number of persons involved in the ECL program.  The ECL has two observation booths (one booth for the preschoolers and one booth for the infants/toddlers).  No food, drink, or talking in the observation booths.

For further information on observation and class project possibilities at the Early Childhood Laboratory, contact:

Charlotte Manno
Room #8 Erickson Hall
Early Childhood Laboratory
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY  40506-0050
(606) 257-4603
E-Mail:  cgmann0@pop.uky.edu