EOCS 7450 Pamela Barnett

Practicum in Leadership Reflective Essay on Classroom Observations

Reflective Essay

I visited four different language arts classes that included 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students. One class consisted of 6^th and 7^th grade gifted students. Even though teaching styles and strategies varied, there were some evident similarities between all four classes.

All teachers were utilizing some form of technology. Data projectors, laptops and smart boards were used at some point during the various lessons. The technology was used in diverse ways. Ms. Young was using it to provide an example and give directions on how to complete an interdisciplinary project on a nonfiction book outline and extemporaneous speaking. Mr. Veteran was using technology to help students correct and review a test over pronouns. Ms. Exemplary was using her laptop, data projector and smart board to explain and demonstrate various activities students were about to complete in the computer lab. Ms. Brown had students using the wireless laptop lab to word process newspaper articles they had written.

In all the classes students were attentive, responsive and on-task. The questions they asked and the comments they made reflected interest in the activities and learning. Teachers gave students specific reasons for and use of the learning. All teachers connected the new learning with previous learning and future activities and learning.

These classrooms were a ‘beehive’ of activity. The technology aspect of all the lessons provided motivation and a ‘hook’ to get students involved in the learning. Even though the lights were turned out for the data projector, students were alert and participating. The lessons were ‘interactive’ and required students to perform and/or respond. The teachers were actively monitoring and checking student understanding and performance using technology. Through technology, all classes were using time very efficiently and productively.