Reflections on Field Experience

Abstract

Mr. Manafo provides 10 guidelines for preservice teachers who yearn for success in their field placements. Hello Future Teachers, While you are on your well-deserved break from classes and field placements, I thought I would take the opportunity to pull together some of my thoughts on field experience and pass them on to you. First, congratulations for getting off to a good start in your school. Almost without exception, your cooperating teachers are pleased with your performance over the past two weeks. In fact, most of them are positively glowing in their accounts of how well you are doing. Of course, that puts a certain pressure on you to continue at the same high level, but I am confident you can do this. Here are my thoughts: 1. As the weeks go by, resist the temptation to fall into comfortable modes in the classroom. Obviously, there are some things you enjoy doing more than others. However, field experience is as much a time to experiment as it is to practice and repeat typical behaviors. Yes, we all must correct papers - and, in fact, one can become a whiz with a red pen. But how about taking that student aside who just doesn't seem to get it and offering some creative insight? Your red pen will last that much longer. 2. Part of the process of experimentation is finding your as a teacher. Voice, in this context, is more than simply how you choose to modulate the sounds that come out of your mouth. It also has to do with how you choose to address the students, the rapport you establish with them, your body language, how you give positive reinforcement, and the ways you interact with other teachers and with parents. If you haven't a clue as to what your teacher voice is yet, don't despair. It can be developed with practice. Remember that smiles can work wonders and that, when you talk with youngsters or adults, you should look them squarely in the eyes. 3. I believe that observation is an art. We tend to think of observing as a passive activity in which one simply watches what is going on at a given time and place. But as many of you (especially those working with young children) have found out, just sitting around watching what goes on in the classroom can be next to impossible - especially if your cooperating is a progressive educator who believes in the value of hands-on experiences. You need to remind yourself to observe while in action. Are you aware of what other activities are going on in the class in addition to the one you are engaged in? Have you learned all the students' names yet? Are you keeping one eye on your cooperating to see how he or she is handling activities? You can learn to observe on the fly. Practice! It sure beats operating in a state of inattention. 4. I think having an outgoing, winning personality is a positive thing for a teacher. However, teachers come in as many personality types as do professionals in any other line of work. Just because you see yourself as tending toward the introspective, the quiet, or even the shy doesn't mean you can't become a first-rate teacher. Yes, you may have to work a little harder to develop your voice, but remember that young people need to associate with and learn from many different types of adults. Not everyone (in fact, hardly anyone) can be Mr. …