What is Informal Indicators

The key actions reflecting the child’s cognition. It represents a person's cognitive states and is observed primarily in interaction with objects. It may be the narrowness of the visual precepted space or the small memory capacity. It is described as informal because it is difficult to clarify in general developmental evaluations. From the process of discovering these indicators to establishing policies to approach, it is called informal assessment in this chapter. They are difficult to notice in everyday life, and the devised three-dimensional teaching materials designed to suit their cognitive development help to find out those indicators. It is easy to share with on-site staff because the behaviors are developed in front of their eyes as concrete actions. The author’s role is to instruct supporters to notice the indicators while sharing the video. Interpersonal behavior that occurs secondarily in interaction is also included in informal indicators. For example, whether the person look at the supporter when he/she succeed, whether he/she asks for help when tasks are difficult to perform. The author carefully chose the three-dimensional teaching materials to be the trigger of finding those indicators. Especially the size is important.

Cognitive Developmental Approaches Toward Inclusive Education: Informal Assessments in Individual Practice

Eiko Tatematsu (National Rehabilitation Consultation Center, Japan)