observation

Watching something carefully to learn about it or check what happens.

• The patient is under observation.
• Careful observation helped her understand the birds.
• We learned about their behaviour through direct observation.

How to use it: under observation (Doctors kept him under observation overnight.)

Similar words: watching, monitoring

Common phrases: close observation, under observation, direct observation

Something you notice by looking, listening, or using your other senses.

• Write your observations in a notebook.
• She made an interesting observation about the birds.
• Do these observations support your idea?

How to use it: an observation about something (He made an observation about the colour of the leaves.)

Similar words: finding

Common phrases: make an observation, record an observation, scientific observation

An assessment of someone’s work made by watching them do it.

• My lesson observation is on Friday.
• The teacher received helpful feedback after her observation.
• A classroom observation can show how pupils learn.

Similar words: assessment

Common phrases: lesson observation, classroom observation, formal observation