My field work was at Silver Trail Middle School where I had the chance to observe a third grade science class, with Mrs. Sharon as the teacher. There were a total of 20 students in the class with 10 boys and 10 girls. The students were from different originalities that included Haitians, Jamaicans and Hispanics. Most of these students were black. The class had a mix of students from different levels. Some of them were reported to have repeated the same class severally while others qualified to be in the class level.
The common core of the class was reading with key ideas on math, science and social studies. These were outlined in posters that had models which defined various multiplication types meant to assist the children in math. Science posters had definitions on earth and some scientific information to explain. The social study posters had information designed to help the children in reading on how regions affect how people live.
Different experiences based on observation.
My first experience was marked with an observation on desks arrangements. The desks were arranged in groups with every group having four desks arranged in a square. The arrangement enabled all students in a group to face the blackboard. The second experience was marked with the children been provided with blank sheets, which I later, understood were meant to be cover sheets to discouraging cheating during a test. The children clearly understood their teacher’s language like DN, L, HW and C initials that their teacher used to signal them on what they are supposed to do.
The second day was an experimental day whereby the teacher wanted to teach osmosis. She went round the classroom asking every child to have a touch on two eggs where one was soaked in vinegar and the other in water. She could then ask every child to express the difference in the texture of the eggs if any. I noticed that the teacher had a way of telling a child was wrong. Instead of using the words, ‘you are wrong’ she used words like’ that is an excellent answer, but try to be more creative’.
The children were also working on a science projects whereby they were conducting online research. Mrs. Sharon walked around and observed what the children were doing and asking them if they needed any assistance. She made sure that every child participated in the research. My last day was more amusing than the previous days. On this day, the children were learning on similarities and contrasts of plants and animals using microscopes. The class was full of, practical work and the teacher was available to answer and support any child.
Analysis of positive and negative aspects.
The whole field experience was entertaining and challenging. Mrs. Sharon’s lesson plans were clearly outlined and easy to follow, and the theme of the class was not hard to establish. The class arrangement was unique and that which enabled the teacher to be in contact with all the earners. On their part, the students knew what they were meant to do with easy instructions from their teacher. Mrs. Sharon had a unique characteristic that encouraged all children to continue working hard. This could be seen from how she responded to the needs of every child and how she made the children feel at ease while approaching her. The teacher used language that made all the children feel unique and recognize their accomplishments, as well as their failures.
The class, however, was limited on space with 20 students being handled by one teacher. There was also challenge in reading material, but the teacher had tried to solve the issue with the use of posters. Technology was also not well set up in the school and this led to students sharing laptops while conducting research and using a common microscope while conducting experiments.
Implications of the experience.
This experience impacted significantly in my career as a teacher. There were a lot of concepts and characteristics that Mrs. Sharon developed in my career. Her language, how she handled the students and participated in class, made me understand the importance of class involvement. The experience enabled me to realize that class discipline is initiated by the teacher; the students behave according to the seriousness of the teacher. It assisted me to grow even on how to handle students with different needs and acknowledge the weaknesses of every child. In addition, it allowed me to realize the importance of reward in recognition of children’s capabilities and ways of helping them work harder.
This was an entire different experience that I intend to take into my classroom and apply. From the experience, I will boost my career by implementing group work in my lessons and having more practical’s to assist my students apply what they learn. I will also be patient on the students and help them in developing attitude especially on the subjects that they consider as their worst. This experience affirmed my aspiration as a teacher I know the challenges embedded, but I’m ready and willing to undertake all of them.
