Field Experience

The field experience class to me was a great experience, this was the first time I had been back in a class room (other than college) since I left school myself in 1992. A whole lot has changed since then, it was great to observe the new wave of learning going on today, and how it was being taught. I will be taking some time explaining how different it was, why it was better (and worse), how really great the teacher I was observing was, why I don't believe that certain inclusions are the answer, and what I think my role as a teacher will become not only from this field experience, but from life itself.

The difference of the classroom is a lot different now days then they were when I finished school. I understand that when I went to school it was in the Akron Public Schools and there were lots of kids. Also, the money was dwindling in our school district. So, we really didn't have the necessary technology to keep pace with the other schools in nearby areas. When I did my field experience it was at Lake Middle School (which is the school system my kids go to) and I knew that they have a top notch program. The use of technology in the class was amazing, every class has a Smartboard, which is a totally awesome device in which if used right you can entertain kids while teaching them and two computers (one on teachers desk, and one in the back of the class) hard wired into the classroom. There was also a rolling computer cart that had about twenty-five laptop computers inside that were all on charging docks, so all the teacher had to do is roll the cart in and plug it in to charge all the computers for the students to each use. The kids also have access to an online (e-classroom) data base in which they can look up their classes and see what they have due, notes taken, and what is next on the agenda. As far as the teaching goes, first of all there are far less students in the classes I was observing compared to when I was in school, but the teaching style was more different. Instead of the teacher just standing in front of the class and lecturing there are many more activities that make me lean toward teaching to "multiple intelligences". This made it good for the differences in each of the students, whom all seemed to be able to keep up with the class curriculum. One of the last differences I noticed was because of the violence in the schools across the country; the kids were not allowed to carry backpacks or bags to help them with their books. So, each of the students carried a whole bunch of books, folders, and planners as well as any art supplies or such that was needed that day. Though I understand why that cannot use backpacks, it seems a little unfair.