The Fieldwork Experience:
My Discoveries and Insights
Going into fieldwork, I felt somewhat prepared because I had known the fifth graders since they were in third grade as I have been working at the school since my freshman year of college. Walking into the fifth grade classroom, I knew it well because I watch the fifth and sixth graders in extension in that very room after school. I believe going into fieldwork with this knowledge and experience, allowed for me to be more comfortable when the time came for me to teach in front of the class.
As a group, I am confident that we performed well when it was our turn to teach in front of the classroom. Our group rehearsed over and over again until we were able to recite our lesson in our sleep. We made sure to practice every little detail, from the content, to "if you agree put your finger on your nose," to even possible answers students might have. This allowed for us to be very prepared when it came time to teach our lesson.
What I discovered about the students is that they are very eager to learn which often led to the class as a whole getting a little too loud at times. The students also were very competitive with each other which was evident throughout each lesson but came out in full force during Jeopardy.
What I discovered about myself is that I do enjoy teaching and am not as nervous in front of a class as I thought I would be. Granted, I knew most of the students going into fieldwork, which allowed me to call them by name and ultimately make me more comfortable during the lesson. I also learned that as a teacher, it is important to know your students well in order to put them into groups where they can work together cooperatively as well as delivering a lesson tailored to the students's needs. I also experienced for the first time the satisfaction of students who complete work that exceeds my expectations. With the Mayflower Compact homework assignment, students went above and beyond with making the letter appear to be from colonial times. I felt very proud as a teacher when I received this homework assignment.
I discovered that team teaching works very well as it allows teachers to bounce off of one another and rely on each other for support. The team teaching was very helpful when it came to covering multiple bases at once. In this aspect, one person might be teaching or giving directions, while another teacher may pass out papers, while the other teachers go around the room to make sure students stay on task.
I agree that planning was an essential part of the fieldwork experience. When our group planned and prepared to the fullest extent, we became very confident in front of the classroom, and the teaching came natural to us. I also agree with your statement that knowing the students is important, in order to organize them in groups where they will work cooperatively. There were certain students that were obvious leaders, but would take over and boss the group around. It is important that the teacher chooses the roles for the students, to avoid any problems. Team teaching is a great way for educators to be on the same page, and use each other as a resource! Insightful post Casey!
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