Clinical Field Experience A: Informal Observations

Danielle Rex

EAD 530

6/21/2023
 My observations involved two teachers, Mr. Klees, a teacher for kindergarten, and Ms.

Sibley, a teacher for third grade. The findings were entirely different not only based on the grade

but also based on what I observed when I walked in to observe. As soon as I entered Mr. Klees'

class, he read the target to the students and had them reproduce it. He then gave the students

some time to think about what they might do next. It was a smooth transition between the

changes as the students responded in full, the instructor used multiple methods to keep the

students moving, and the standards were understood and followed. It has been excellent of the

teacher to pace and ask questions at such a rapid pace. We discussed Mr. Klees with my key

mentor and agreed that he had done an outstanding job and achieved a professional outcome

in all areas.

In Ms. Sibley's classroom, some students violated the rules and experienced a bad day

when they entered. Upon returning to their desks, the students began composing a poem from

before. This poem was to be presented to the teacher, but all the materials had not been

received by the students. Some students took their papers from their desks, others retreated to

their backpacks, and one sat there since his paper had been lost. All students had a lack of

work and regular redirections were not provided. The teacher moved fairly quickly and did not

challenge much. One student lost his paper at home, and the teacher did not tell him to get

another piece of paper. I was later told that this student is often difficult to inspire. Teachers

were generally competent in providing quality teaching and classroom environments; lessons

and objectives were uniform; teachers were generally competent in providing quality instruction.

As my director informed me, I had been surprised by the events in Ms. Sibley's class, and the

principal indicated that it was not a typical observation. The principal stated that Ms. Sibley is an

excellent teacher, and the observation had been conducted on an off day.

A significant aspect of my findings was the debriefing with my principal mentor. During

the informal / spot observation, we used many of the same questions as when we scored both

teachers and we used many of the same questions to debrief the instructor. We were similar to
how we scored both teachers. Due to my belief that teachers need feedback, I have written

notes to each teacher and attached them to candy bars; however, it is only because of your

generosity that I have been permitted access to your classroom.