Entry #1

 Observing in the field:  Classroom Observation, Blog entry # 1

Reading the text Ethnographic Eyes really helped me with my observation and field notes. I observe my own classroom in more than I would have before reading the text. The students’ handbook questions really helped me in taking notes. The purpose of my class is teaching to find the density of an irregular mineral. My class is about 45 minutes, and started with my demonstration of finding a mass of the mineral. When I demonstrate, first, I explain the experiment verbally, and then I ask my students different questions to test their understanding. I always make sure I include my ESL students and Sp.Ed students. Since I started my Master’s program /w ESL concentration, I ask my Spanish students the Spanish word for some English vocabulary words. When they give the Spanish word I can see the pride on their face for knowing another language especially when other students praise their Spanish vocabulary.

Most of my ESL students, I can say, are fluent in the English language so they do not have a problem understanding my instructions. When I demonstrate an experiment after a brief discussion, the students get the idea of my lab experiment. As mentioned in the text, it requires teacher to keep reminding the rules to the students in the classroom. After my demonstration, I tell them to form their groups to work with their teams.  One thing I noticed is whenever two or more students from same ethnic group get together, they always end up talking in their own language. Whenever I hear them talking I go to them and ask what they are talking and what is the meaning of some words. Because I also interact very casually with them, they are at ease in my classroom. Although I am from India, people who do not know me think I am Latina, so observers who enter my classroom think that there is a Spanish teacher. My ESL students are extremely friendly with me, because they feel they have a teacher who is just as different as they are.

References:

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

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

9/13/2010