Field Observation Willoughby 1

Field Observation

EDU 203-1006

Bailey Willoughby

College of Southern Nevada

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When going into something new we are always scared of the unknown, and not sure of

what to expect. Before stepping into the classroom I was nervous about what may happen in the

classroom. I went in with the worry of not being able to handle the students, or not being able to

relate to them. However, after spending time in the classroom, engaging with the kids, and

consistently learning something new, I found to really enjoy it. Every time I went in to observe I

learned something new, whether it be a small thing or something significant to my role as a

future educator. This observation immensely tied into this course, and the subjects that we

learned about. It also helped to improve my knowledge of others with disabilities.

Going into the classroom it was very warm and inviting, there was nothing cold about the

environment. The teacher and her aides were incredibly helpful in answering any and all

questions that I may have had. It only takes one bad teacher to ruin the whole learning

experience for you. The atmosphere was considered to be very laid back/ The classroom had a

lot of visuals for the students including pictures to describe what each station was. Visual

learning seemed to be a main focal point for the children.

The class consists of non-verbal children whom of which have autism, with the exception

of two (2) students that they refer to as “typicals”. These students act as role models in the

classroom and are there to set an example for the other students. I found this to be very

interesting because I would notice that when one of the other students were not on track with the

other students then the typical peers would steer them in the right direction. This is a very

effective thing to do in a classroom full of children with autism. The age ranges for this

classroom were three(3) to five(5) years old. The peers will help engage the students with the

disability to interact well with other students.

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There was one student that I was observing during my time there. He was barely three (3)

years old, and his parents enrolled him into the school in December as soon as he turned the

minimum age requirement. The doctors diagnosed him with Autism, and the school speech

coach considers him to be non-verbal. After talking to the teacher we came to the same

conclusion that he is not Autistic. I view him as a normal three (3) year old who has temper

tantrums when he does not get his way. Also, when you pay attention to him he talks quite a lot.

He does not talk non-stop, full-length conversation, but he knows how to communicate. When I

was playing shapes with him, he knew every shape I showed him and verbally told me. I thought

this was intriguing considering he is diagnosed with Autism but does not show the

characteristics.

As for comparing the field to the textbook, nothing that you read will be the same as

experiencing it for yourself. I could sit here and re-read the textbook one hundred times, but it

will never fully compare to going to a school, and experiencing it in real life. Every child is

different, and the textbook is used as a cushion for surface level information. It is like looking at

the tip of an iceberg knowing that there are miles of ice lying beneath the water.

The information about Autism in the textbook helped with having some knowledge of the

disability when walking into the setting. It also helps me in my current job. I work at Safekey,

and I have a few kids who do have Autism, some are more high-functioning than others.

Originally, I did not know how to handle children with Autism. I had an idea of what to do, but

after taking this course, reading the textbook, and doing my field observation, I find myself to be

more comfortable in taking care of the children with disabilities. I have even shared my newly

found knowledge with my co-workers so that they become more comfortable themselves.
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Going into this field observation, and even the course in general, I truly thought I knew

much more than I did. I learned new ideas on how to accommodate children of different

disabilities. It does not have to necessarily be limited to physical disabilities such as being

confined to a wheelchair, but on a broader perspective of disabilities. This textbook touched on

multiple different disabilities and explained them in depth. It even discusses bilingual

disadvantages. Between the textbook, the assignments, and the classroom, I have learned an

immense about of information that will only benefit me in the classroom.

What I still need to learn is everything. Not only as a student, future educator but as a

human, the learning never stops. That is how we continue to grow, and improve ourselves. In

regards to this assignment, I feel that my learning will never cease. Every child is different, thus

having different accommodations and needs. There may be some similarities however, nothing

will be exactly the same every single time. Kids will teach us something new every day, so

keeping that in mind; anyone who is looking to pursue the education field, they need to

understand that the learning will never end.

Before going into this I had previous standard knowledge of Autism and ADHD/ADD.

My brother was diagnosed with ADHD when he was seven (7) years old and having to grow up

around him, I learned how it works, and how to handle children with ADHD as well. It is always

a learning curve, but I build on it as the years go by. Some people grow out of it, and others it

sticks with them. It can be frustrating emotionally, I have witnessed my brother having full-on

breakdowns because he is so frustrated with himself. He has grown to control it much better,

some days are worse than others. Having this previous knowledge I was able to transfer it to this

course, and in my day to day work life.

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After taking this course and doing my field observation I have come to the conclusion

that the special education field is not for me. I have no problems with it, but I personally cannot

see myself in that field. I did contemplate this for a while because I know how much special

education teachers are needed. I do think that it takes a certain person to go into this field. I do

not mean that statement in a negative way. That also goes for people who want to teach

elementary, such as myself. Being around kids is definitely not for everyone, it takes someone

with a true passion to pursue these sorts of fields. You have to feel it in your heart that you want

to go through with this field. If there is no passion then you are only going to end up failing not

only yourself but the children as well.