Approaches to observation are generally described in terms of the observer's role. Roles vary, depending on the degree of involvement the observer has in the situations being observed. Since you will be mostly researching questions related to your own practice, you will likely take the role of active participant observer. Other roles you might take in research in practice include participant as observer, privileged active observer and passive observer (Mills, 2000; Robson, 1993).
Active participant observer. An active participant observer is or has a role in the group, shares experiences and tries to understand the language and culture of the group. In such approaches, the main data is based on the observer's interpretations of what s/he observes. When I did research about my role as facilitator with a student conference committee (Norton, 2000a), I was an active participant observer, as I was a member of the group with a particular role.
Participant as observer. The participant as observer is a bit distanced from the group being observed, compared to an active participant observer. As well as observing through taking part in activities, the observer may be able to ask people to explain what is happening. When undertaking research about peer tutoring at The Learning Centre (Norton, 1996), I contracted a researcher who served as a "participant
Privileged active observer. In this role, the observer is a member of a group, but steps back from the role in the group to observe. For example, a teacher might observe a workshop presented by a guest that involves tutors or learners in the teacher's program.
Passive observer. The observer is present at the event being observed but has a largely passive role. In my research about my role as facilitator with a student conference committee (Norton, 2000a), I asked a colleague to serve as a passive observer of a meeting I facilitated.