Observation reflection

1.      How many hours did you complete?

I had a total of 7 hours of observation time. Basically, I shadowed one of my colleagues for a day. Mr. Groves, a Special Needs teacher that is highly qualified in four content areas, allowed me to tag along for his day.

 

2.      How did I spend the time?

The day started with his Study/Life Skills class. Today’s topic was on communication skills. This worked out well since there was a guest in the room, me. His kids practiced introducing themselves and asking a set of rehearsed written questions. The questions were typical of things they would use in the real world. This was repeated third and fourth periods as well. I also observed him in a collaborative setting (Social Studies) where he co-taught the lesson. They were discussing the book Animal Farm and the political message strung throughout. His final class was collaboration with Integrated Science. He helped kids with getting the notes and information gathered for an upcoming test.                                                                                                                   

 

3.      How did the experience help me to strengthen at least one Kentucky Teacher Standard?

            I feel that this experience helped me understand Standard 8: The teacher collaborates with colleagues, parents and others, with a little more clarity. I have had collaborative classes before, but this was different being able to sit back and just watch someone supplement the instruction. I hadn’t realized how often and how smoothly one had to “switch gears” depending on the kid being serviced.

 

4.      Talk a little about one thing I learned because of this field experience.

            I developed a deeper appreciation for the task that Special Needs teachers undergo each and every day. I get used to the routine of coming in and my kids knowing the schedule. When I turn on the ActivBoard, they get out their daily oral language assignments and we complete this portion of the period. Then when I get out the literature book, they get theirs out and turn to the pages we will be discussing. They just know what to do. Mr. groves, on the other hand, has to conduct each day like it is the first day many times. He doesn’t gauge his day by how much he can get done. He must focus on the little steps.