Observational Notes

Bethany Wilson
Professor Wright
EDUC 422
03/31/2015

I have grown professionally as a result of this field experience because I was able to
experience hands on opportunities that helped build my teacher skills as well as preparing me to
become effective in the classroom. My field experience took place at Bethune Bowman
Elementary in Rowesville, SC. There, I was under the tutelage of Ms. Jessica Elliott, a fourth
math and science teacher. Being at Bethune Bowman was very rewarding. I was not only
observing and making notes of my experience but I also had the opportunity to teach a small
lesson to the students about multiplying fractions. Along with my lesson, I was able to interact
with the students and get a feel of how they learn collectively and individually. While each
student had different styles they learned instruction they also had very characteristics and
personalities. It was very interesting to see how the children reacted to the teacher when she was
talking. She speaks to the students and made sure they understand what she was saying, and
makes sure they are listening by asking follow up questions. She also asks the students to
participate by asking the students to give examples of what they are going over in class and if
they could explain. If the students did not understand the information after all their activities and
quizzes the teacher reviews the information again and makes sure the students in the end know
what is going on in class. What impressed me the most about my mentor teacher, Ms. Holman,
was her ability to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate her students. It is important
to always make sure students are accommodated in the classroom to ensure effective learning.
She also used manipulatives for the student to utilize to enhance learning. Each student is
assigned an iPad, and they have the opportunity to use educational programs to make learning
fun and engaging.
Interacting with the students also helped build my professionalism. I helped with
students with writing assignments given by the teacher as well as being a tutor for those who

were falling behind. Interaction with the students became very easy where as when I first began
my experience it was a bit rough. Serving as a teachers assistant, I was relatively in the same
age group as the students resulting in a lack of respect. I immediately had to allow the students
to see where the differences lie between being a student and a TA. Once I showed the students
that respect for me, themselves, and each other was important, they quickly begin to warm up.
Serving as an assistant in my field work allowed me to experience hands-on situations that will
help me in the future to enhance me effectiveness as an educator.
Throughout my field experience, I have noticed many strengths and weaknesses in
myself that could affect me as a future teacher. A strength that I noticed I portray in the
classroom was my ability to think on my feet, an indispensable skill for all teachers. I used this
skill many times during my field experience. Not only is the career of teaching a challenge but so
are all of the guidelines and rules that a teacher need to follow. When it comes down to it, I think
that I would like to challenge myself in the classroom. These field experiences have cemented
my decision that teaching is most definitely my calling. I now feel more certain than ever that I
am on the right career path. These experiences have also helped me narrow down what age group
I would like to teach, as well as given me more insight into what I would like to teach. I have
expanded my future plans from teaching just general education to possibly include the broader
grouping of at risk students. I am more excited than ever to become certified and focus my
energies and enthusiasm on educating my future students. I want to be able to grow with my
students and be a successful teacher. Sometimes when a teacher challenges their selves, they
learn things about themselves that they never really knew and I am always open to learning
something new.