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Dave Odtuhan

Ms. Jacqueline Sgobba

EDU 201

19 December 2021

Field Observation Experience

Conducting observations and engaging in fieldwork are important components in

providing insights on community life and practices. For my EDU-201 class, I chose to do my

Field Observation at Betsy Rhodes Elementary School. It was a wonderful experience for me

because I realized how far I am from my journey to become a great teacher. My assigned teacher

was great at what she does, and she shared several tips and advice that I will use towards my

journey.

My teacher would alternate her ways of giving instructions. Sometimes she would have

to explain it verbally, have the kids read it on their own, or she would have them in groups for

group discussions. By doing so, she can informally assess the students’ reading comprehension,

and allow them to productively socialize. Most importantly, she wanted to ease students' nerves,

assuage their insecurities, and help them confirm their expectations so that they can be happy and

successful in school. I was amazed by how my teacher managed to do so many things at once

and at the same time offered an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and

course correctly on their own when needed.

The overall tone of the classroom was positive. The teacher paid close attention to the

students' needs. For example, when she noticed one of her enthusiastic students was not

participating at all, she was available to talk to him about how he feels and reassured him that it
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is okay to feel down sometimes. She also talked about the fun games and events she had set for

that coming week to get excited and think about something else. Her strategy was amazingly

effective because I noticed a change in the student’s mood and energy in the classroom. My

teacher also used positive words all the time. For instance, when the students were about to take

their MAP tests, my teacher told them that she was immensely proud of them for working hard,

and that all she wants them to do is to do their best and that their best is different from each

other. Personally, messages like this from the teacher made me realize that it increases the

students’ confidence and lessens their anxiety when taking the test. She also celebrated with each

individual student when they finished their tests. Although the classroom tone was mostly

positive, there were instances when the teacher had to become firmer with her tone to address

disruptions and disobediences of expectations and rules. This created a great balance of the

classroom tone which resulted in a fun and productive classroom.

My favorite thing I learned is to treat students like friends. By doing so, it allows you to

become more relatable and approachable. When you are relatable, students feel a strong

connection with you, and they start trusting you. Only then can you create a classroom

environment that is more conducive to learning and meet students' developmental, emotional,

and academic needs. Relatability and approachability results in more engagement in learning,

better behavior in class and higher levels of academic achievement. I would apply this

knowledge in my future classroom because as mentioned above, it is important to have a

personal connection with students for them to become more successful academically and

emotionally.