Blog Entry # 2

Blog # 2 Focused Observations

Teaching Issues:

The main problems that I noticed is that boys in general get more distracted and are less interested in learning. Compared to girls, boys do not pay attention to the instructions and are easily distracted. It is very difficult to get them involved and keep them motivated in learning.

My main problem in my classes is maintaining discipline. Kids are not used to having teachers from other ethnic groups. They can accept an aid from other races, but taking directions from me is harder for them. When I give instructions, they don’t pay attention and expect me to go over my instructions all over again. I see the same students sitting quietly in other classes and do their work, but when they are in my class they want to waste time.
                                                                  

There is so much focus on standardized testing in American schools that it becomes really frustrating to teach at times. They just want us to keep moving even if the students are not proficient in the concept. We have to teach a certain amount of curriculum in every nine weeks. As far as the grading period is concerned that is alright but then there are benchmark tests. We are expected to teach a certain number of chapters for benchmark. If my students are not proficient in a concept I would rather re-teach the concept then move on, but I cannot do that because I have to give a benchmark test in 3 chapters!

Second Language Acquisition:

As I mentioned earlier my ESL student are advanced in English language. They do not have any problems in understanding my language. I believe that using right vocabulary words in the instructions are very important, when I am teaching my inclusion class. I also use alternate words to develop understanding of the concept. For example, when I am teaching my regular class the concept of ‘photosynthesis’ I use the word like ‘reactants and product’, but when I am in my inclusion class along with these word I include words like ‘our reactants are ingredients’ and our cake is the product’ 

Ethnographic Perspective:

It is very important to know the students’ reading level to better meet the needs of second language learners. If a student is below grade level reading it becomes very difficult for them to perform in science. They are required to use the same textbook and materials as the rest of the grade. Because my ESL class is also my inclusion, I read the test out loud so that they can understand and perform better in their assessments.

To include culture into my classes we discuss about the scientists from different countries. The students come up with their own information regarding the scientist and their studies and inventions. The textbook that we use also have scientists from different countries and their work which we read and discuss in the class.

References:

Frank. C (1990) Ethnographic Eyes: A teacher’s Guide to Classroom Observation, NH: Heinemann...
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MTSU Honor Statement:

This assessment/assignment was written solely by me. In no way have I plagiarized (represented the work of another as my own) or otherwise violated the copyright laws and academic conventions of fair use. I know that violations of this policy may result in my being dismissed from Middle Tennessee State University and/or appropriate legal action being taken against me. 

Sariya Mohammed

9/22/2010