Field Notes # 4

Reflective Field notes #4


What are your overall impressions of this observation?

Overall, I found the observation extremely helpful and interesting. While I have completed a lot of hours observing in many different types of classroom environments, the case study and ethnographic profile really gave me the chance to dig deeper and connect with a student on a one on one basis. I think it is so important for teachers to get to know their sudents on a deeper level, although it is not always possible. Getting a chance to really observe the student as an observer instead of a teacher was also helpful. Of course, as a teacher, I typically feel like my lesson plans are productive and enjoyable, but being able to see the classroom through a different set of eyes really gave me a different outlook.





What did you learn as a result of the fieldwork?

While doing the observation, I realized how important it is to always think about ways to tweek the lesson plan. I also think it is essential to have a flexible lesson plan available in case the student is completely lost or possibly even too advanced for the lesson. The teacher I observed did a great job of tailoring the lesson plan to meet the different needs and levels of the students, which is something I don't think I always focus on.
While completing the ethnographic profile, I learned a lot about the specific student I spoke with. I really enjoyed this interaction because it gave me the opportunity to speak one on one with a refugee student and listen to her story. It revealed the importance of understanding the background of the students and how their past really does impact their current educational situation. As I stated before, I know it is not always easy to have a lot of one on one time between the teacher and the student, but it is extremely helpful when this can take place.



What is the value in case study research and analysis in terms of classroom practice?

It is so easy, as a teacher, to get caught up in the fast pace of the classroom every day. It is also very common for the teacher to be so concerned with the logistics of lesson planning that it is hard to take the necessary time to evaluate the lesson plan and consider exactly how it will play out and what issues could possibly arise. In my short experience, I have learned that a lesson plan can look like a million bucks on paper, but can somehow become a complete disaster when put into place in the classroom. When a teacher gets the chance to analyze the classroom practice that is in place it can allow for adequate adjustments that might need to be made prior to execution. I think it is also just another way for the teacher to take the chance to look at the closer details of the lesson plan instead of just making sure they are in line with the standards.





What is the value of the ethnographic narrative?

The ethnographic narrative really helps to connect the teacher to the student. There are often many students in each class with only one teacher. This causes obvious stress on the teacher to get to know each student individually. It seems to be a fine art for the teacher to quickly understand each child's personal needs as far as learning styles and skill sets. This often seems like an impossible task, but I know many teachers have the ability to get to know each student in their class. When dealing with a sensitive population, such as refugee students, for example, it is even more important for the teacher to have this one on one time. When I was conducting the narrative, I realized that the student's positive attitude could be due to the fact that she honestly enjoyed the school system in the United States better than the system in her home country. The discussion I had with her will always stay in the back of my mind when I'm working on lesson plans and thinking of activities. Of course, the teacher cannot tailor each lesson plan accordingly, but I don't think that there is really a point to a lesson plan if it really isn't productive. It is nice to see the students share their opinions and ideas about the classroom. After all, they are the reason the lesson plans are being created!





How will this information assist future teachers (next year’s teachers) as well as yourself in
meeting the needs of this particular second language learner?

This information is important not only for myself, but also for next year's teacher. As stated before, it really does make a difference when the teacher has some background knowledge of the student. There might be days when the student is upset or frustrated. When the teacher knows what might be going on in the home life, or what has happened in the past, it allows them to deal wtih the situation more appropriately. I do, however, think it is very important for each teacher to create their own opinions about each student, as every teacher will interpret a student's needs and skills differently. Labeling is obviously something that does not need to take place, so when the teacher gets to know the student themselves, they can form an unbias opinion that will hopefully be utilized in lesson planning and other classroom strategies.