ED 101 Observation Report

School:Seward High School Date of Visit :10/4/12 Your Name Emily Muench

Teacher’s Name:Tom Tvrdy Grade 9-10 Subject Study Hall

Your ED101 Professor: Pester

Observation #1 Observation #2 Full Day Shadow Experience

Level (Check one): Elem K-4 Middle 5-8 Secondary 9-12

1. In class, when were students most alert and participating most actively?

The students were most alert in the beginning of class and when the teacher called on them individually.

What percent of the time would you say they were on task? 80% Off task20%

2. How did students respond to teacher’s instructions?

The students answered the teacher's instructions right when they were given the intructions.

3. What forms of peer interaction did you observe?

The students talked quite a bit because it was a study hall and not a structured class. Even though they talked a lot when Mr. Tvrdy asked them to quiet down or stop talking they followed. There was also a "clique". I could tell the ones in sports and I could tell the ones who were not because of the actions they sent towards each other.

4. What are the students wearing? What do you notice about their appearance?

The students dressed very casually. This type of dress caused them to be laid back and there was almost a sense of being lazy and not really caring how they performed on anything they did.

5. What sort of things seemed to motivate them – what did they do or talk about with enthusiasm?

Things that gave them enthusiasm when they spoke were usually just normal everyday topics that they could all relate to. Due to it being a study hall there wasn’t much interaction with the students from the teacher so I was unable to see what would have motivated them from the teacher. Also another thing that motivated them was being asked by the teacher to do something.

6. What do you see as their greatest strength at this age?

In this particular class their greatest strength was knowing that when a teacher asks you something you are to respect them and answer them the best way you can. They know that they are to respect their elders and that if they do not there will be a consequence.

7. What would be the greatest challenge they would present to you as their teacher?

The greatest challenge to me would be high schoolers being a typical high schooler. They think that they can do whatever they want and it will be just fine. High school is a changing point for many. As they mature they learn that what they used to do was dumb, but in the beginning they can be very tough to handle and I think that for me myself it would be hard for me to gain control over this age group.

8. Sum up your reflections on this experience and think of the possibility of your teaching students at this age. Be honest with yourself. How do you see your personality/character traits working with this age group? Why do you feel this way? If you WERE going to teach this group, what things would you set as goals for yourself?

If i were to teach this group, I would set the rules straight and there would be no talking. Study hall is a time to get work done. The students would either have to bring homework or read a book. They need to be doing something and not just sitting there waiting for the bell to ring. I don't really care for ipods or ipads being allowed for a student to use to play games on or get on a social network. If they are going to be used they will be used for a purpose in the class. Whether it is researching or having to do an assighnment online. Study hall is "study" time, as it says in the name.

I also feel that the traits I have for myself would be good because I like working when it is quiet and if I were to teach a study hall I would make sure it is quiet for others to get their work done, just as I would want to get mine done. Hopefully my ways of organization would also benefit the students, so that they too may have a means of organization for their life.

Goals for myself as a teacher of this group would be to make sure I am positive for my classroom and make sure I have a smile on my face. A smile can usually brighten someones day, even if they are having one of the worst days of their life. I would also make sure that they know I am always here to help them no matter what, and if I can't help them, I will find someone who can and is willing to help the student.

Revised 6/2012