Field Entry 4

My experiences with field work so far have included observing in my own classroom where I work with five students at different times and observing in the regular education classrooms where my ESL students work most of the day.  My experiences have been very positive, enjoyable, and informative in all settings.

In the regular classroom settings, I have been able to observe my students working with their peers and with teachers.  I have been able to see some of the language challenges they face in the classroom, and I have been able to discuss these challenges with them.  All the students I work with in grades K-3 are enthusiastic about learning and get along exceptionally well with their teachers and with their peers.

The fieldwork I have conducted in my own classroom has made me more aware of my own strengths and weaknesses as a teacher and has also enabled me to become more familiar with my students and their backgrounds. By observing in other classrooms, I have been able to identify strengths and areas to be addressed in order for the ELL's to be successful.  I have learned more about the curriculum and how I can help the students with their classroom work in our classroom.

The case study research was valuable in knowing more about how a particular student interacts and learns in the classroom.  It helped to see that the student I observed never volunteered to answer a question.  After the observation, I was able to discuss my findings with both the student and the teacher.  This will help both of them make some adjustments which should help learning.  The case study also helped me learn more about how this student learns best and what this student has difficulties with.

The ethnographic narrative gave me the opportunity to find out more about this students' background and interactions in the home.  She is very close to her mother and has a strong family unit.  American holidays are important to her and to her family.  The illustrations allowed me to see more of her perception of her home and allowed us to have opportunities to discuss her family and thingds that are important to her and to other family members.

The information I gathered through the observations, case study and ethnographic narrative will be shared with next year's teachers.  This should assist them in knowing more about the background of this student, her family interactions, and family values.  This will help the teacher engage in conversation with this student and know how to communicate effectively with the family.  The case study will also help the teacher know more about how this student learns and what strategies should be implemented  in order to maximize learning.