FieldExperience2

=Journal # 2 =

Now that I have a better understanding of what a field placement entitles, I am more comfortable than I originally was. Since my first journal written, not much has changed. I continue to take notes on the classroom setting, lessons, and student involvement. From what I have seen, all of the students have established a comfort among each other. Although seem to not all be close friends, they respect each other and identify as a group. The teacher, Mr. Phillips, also falls into their group. He frequently opens class up by referring to student sports and accomplishments. For instance, he had brought in a newspaper recently and pointed out that one of the students (within the class) was in it. He constantly takes time before the bell rings to check in on students, comment on their work, and catch up on their ever-changing interests.

As wonderful as the environment is, it saddens me to say that the lessons are not very unique. The teacher usually has the class read out of their text, respond to a few questions, and then continue reading. There is little excitement within the classroom. The teacher also encourages pop-corn reading; this kind of reading can be a plus, but some students aren't acknowledged because of it. There had been a moment (some time back) when someone had chosen another student to read, but the student refused to. The teacher accepted their refusal and chose a different student. I don't particularly like the repetition of lessons and activities. I think it would better the class if the teacher sometimes assigned readings for homework and made a new lesson out of it the next day. Although the lessons are simple readings, I do anticipate a change in the near future. This repetition is also pushing me to be as creative as I can be when planning the lesson I will teach to the students.