Field Experience

During my Sophomore year of college, I had the pleasure of visiting several special education classrooms for field experience. I was able to visit different classrooms in a number of school districts, all at varying grade levels. I visited a kindergarten classroom in Vermilion, a first grade classroom in Huron, a third grade classroom in Amherst, and an eighth grade classroom in Firelands. Throughout my observations I was able to witness the techniques and class structure of several educators when working with students with special needs. Before I had begun the observations I was very nervous and worried, however each classroom and its students seemed to welcome me very easily. Being able to see how students should be handled at the varying grade levels was interesting as it showed how much direct guidance was helpful, but not superfluous that it hurt the students' ability to work and solve problems on their own. Although I do not plan on going into special education specifically, I am very pleased and grateful for the experience I received in each of these observations. I feel as though the mindset that these teachers had was universal and should be adopted by all present and future educators. The philosophy that each student is unique and has individualized needs is something that I plan to bring with me to the classroom when I begin teaching. After watching these educators work closely with each of their students, it was clear that they did not see the class as simply a group, but rather a group of individuals who required special assistance in varying areas.

NETS-Standards

2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS-S. Teachers:

c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.

d. provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.

INTASC Standards

Standard #2: Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

2(a) The teacher designs, adapts, and delivers instruction to address each student’s diverse learning strengths and needs and creates opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning in different ways.

2(g) The teacher understands and identifies differences in approaches to learning and performance and knows how to design instruction that uses each learner’s strengths to promote growth.