Real Classroom Experience Reflection

Professional Reflection


An Incredible Journey: Educators take on the Charter- School Challenge

I observed…….

What did the students learn in terms of the Essential Question?
The students learned about the watershed and how to collect different kinds of data from it. They then had to work together effectively just like in the real- world.
What skills did they need in order to accomplish the task? List as many as possible.
The students needed to know how to work together and communicate, time management skills and presenting skills to complete their task.

What do you think were the students’ perceptions thought about this process?
Every student has their own learning style, but a lot of students seemed to like this project and working together. They looked like they were having fun in going outside to collect their data and also creating the news video. It was a lot of hard work, but they enjoyed it.
What clues did you have? List as many as possible.
The students were smiling and having a good time. The teachers said how the students were working hard and heard feedback from the students about how they enjoyed it.

What defines “effective teaching” for you?
Effective teaching is your students learning. They may not understand the concept right away, but you know they will get it eventually as long as they keep trying. The teacher needs to be there for the students’ help.
Based on your definition, was the teacher’s instruction effective?
Yes, the teachers were very effective.
How do you know?
The teachers were alongside the students helping them, and if the students were not learning, then they would not have been able to complete this project. They learned by working together and helping each other out with different steps of the way.

What was the teacher’s primary role during the activity you observed?
The teacher was there to help the students and keep them on task.
How did the teacher’s role support student learning of the essential question?
They had different times that the students got together to talk about what worked and what didn’t. The teachers used this information to tell whether or not they wanted to keep doing this project or even project- based learning at all.
How did the teacher support student learning of new technology tools?
The teacher had the students use the computers to create their presentation, the video camera to create the news show, and all the tools used for collecting the data.
What scaffolds were in place? List as many as possible.
The teacher guided the students through on how to use the tools to collect their data, how to use the computer and how to produce the news video.



Because you had a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the situation, you may have noticed some things you would do differently were you to have been the teacher in this situation. If you have ideas, record them here.
I would see if I could condense the project’s length of time because I think twelve weeks may be a little too long for a project.


How were you inspired through this observation process?
I thought it was really cool on how the students got involved with each part of the projects and were motivated to keep continuing on through the long process.
Do you have any new professional goals or aspirations? What are they?
I think it would be really cool to create a project that will get students to want to learn and end up in a video clip like this school was.