OBSERVATION REFLECTION 1

Observation Reflection

Kaylee Forsyth

EDUC-1301.200

November 21, 2018

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During the month of November, I was given the opportunity to observe a 5th grade

Science class at Griffis Elementary School in Caddo Mills. Ms. Quick was the teacher I got the

privilege of working with, and during my time with her and her students, I was taught some

valuable things.

From day one, I could immediately notice that Ms. Quick’s classroom was very student-

oriented. This was one of my favorite things about my observation time, being able to watch the

students take their instructions and do the activity or assignment they were given, while using the

help of there “teams” (which is what their group tables were called) and other resources. Being

in a student-centered environment you really get to see how the teacher just acts as the guide. For

example, one of my visits to the class, I got to witness “Stations”. This is a student-led activity

where Ms. Quick explains the instructions for each station and then the students work together in

groups to complete each station before rotating. Another thing I loved about my mentor and her

class is that she used more than one way to explain lessons. Sometimes she would take a visual

approach, other times she would have more of a discussion type of learning, and many times she

would take the Kinesthetic learning style by allowing the students to personally do the

experiments. I believe that this is an awesome way to not only teach responsibility, but it helps

the students learn alongside their peers. I will definitely be incorporating these methods in my

own classroom.

My overall experience was fantastic, and it reassured me that this is where my heart is;

teaching. I loved being able to watch the teacher and student interaction in the class and the

mutual respect they have for one another, and even towards myself though I was just a visitor.

Ms. Quick talked with me on her down-time and helped answer many of my questions. I

genuinely believe I learned a lot through this experience and found many teaching techniques,
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lessons, and behavioral methods that I would like to try in my classroom one day. When my last

day of observing came, I was actually sad to go seeing as I had already grown quite attached to

the students and the environment. This mentorship not only exceeded all my expectations but

made me even more excited for the future to come.