EDU 301 Wk 5 – Signature Assignment: Classroom Observation and Teacher Interview Paper

As you begin the education-specific coursework of your program, you will start to spend time in educational settings observing, assessing, planning, and teaching. Purposeful field experience is one of the best “real world” learning experiences that a teacher preparation program can offer to students.

Due to school closures still in place in some parts of the country, you may complete an alternate version of the Field Experience and Interview assignment. If your local schools are still in session, you may still complete the original assignment. Both options are explained below.

ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENT DUE TO SCHOOL CLOSURES:

Part 1 – Using the University of Phoenix Material: Field Experience and Interview Worksheet, watch this 5th Grade Math Lesson video.

Part 2 – Answer the classroom observation questions based on the lesson in the video. Disregard the Interview and Reflection Summary sections of the worksheet.

Part 3 – Consider the role of the teacher and students in the video lesson and respond to the following questions (1-2 paragraphs per question) in a separate document, using APA format.

1. What do you notice about the teaching and learning in this classroom? Consider the lesson subject, teaching strategies, student engagement, assessment for learning, classroom management, and anything else that seems important to you.
2. What questions might you ask this teacher about her instructional practice? What evidence or experience from the video prompts you to ask such questions?
3. Reflect on your own ideas and experiences – What will you do as a teacher to provide powerful learning opportunities for your students?

Submit your assignment.

OR

ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT

This 3-part assignment gives you the opportunity to observe a teacher in a classroom environment, interview the teacher about specific teaching practices, and communicate what you’ve learned in a paper. Complete Parts 1-3 below.

Part 1: Classroom Observation

Observe a teacher in a classroom and use the Classroom Observation Table to take notes and guide your observation.

Part 2: Teacher Interview

Interview the teacher you observed and use the Teacher Interview Table to record responses and guide your interview.

Part 3: Making Connections Paper

Write a 700- to 875-word paper that connects what you have learned from your observation and interview with the following teaching practices to improve teaching and learning:

• Professional development
• Collaboration
• Self-reflection

In your paper, ensure you:

• Compare the observed teaching, interview responses, and the teacher’s educational philosophies.
• Explain why continuous professional development is important and how this benefits students.
• Describe the benefits of teacher collaboration with colleagues, families, and students.
• Explain the use of self-reflection by teachers and how it improves teaching and learning.
• Describe what you learned from this field experience and how you will apply it to your future role as a teacher.

Submit your assignment.