Language Arts (ELED 3226) IMB Teaching Clinical Experience Portfolio

Morgan McDaniel
UNC Charlotte-Elementary Education
3rd Grade

1) Observational Field Notes:

My observation relates to the classroom management; including both rules and
routines inside the classroom. The teacher does an excellent job managing her classroom,
and setting good expectations that the students should meet each day. The rules for this
class include: We show respect for each other., We always follow directions., We try
our best., We learn from our mistakes., and We are a team. Each of these rules are
great because they set the tone as to how the classroom will run from the first day of
school, until the last day. The rules are listed on the classroom wall, therefore, the
students are reminded of them each day. The teacher is also consistent when it comes to
the routine of the class. For example; each day as the students arrive they are to begin
unpacking, getting their things ready to begin, and read their books while they wait for
the teacher to begin class for that day. This ensures that the students know exactly what is
expected of them, and what the day will be like. At the end of the day the students are
called up by numbers to get their folders and agendas before packing up. By using a
number system, the students will know that they are to remain in their seats until they
hear their number called. The teacher displays both a positive/friendly attitude, but a
strictness that allow the students to know what they are expected of and when these
expectations should be met.

Reflection on Observation:
Overall I feel that the teacher has great control over her classroom and manages it
extremely well. I love the fact that the rules are listed on the wall, so that the students are
reminded of them daily. Each of the rules are positive and ones that are important for both the
teacher and students to follow, so that the classroom is manageable. It is also great that the
teacher as a strict routine set for each day, so that the students are aware of what they will be
doing and when. The routine is listed up on the board, and this allows the teacher and the
students to refer to them whenever it is necessary. I love that the teacher shows positivity, care,
friendliness, and strictness to her students, because this is what makes not only the students great,
but how the classroom runs great as well. Lastly, one of the most important rules in this
classroom for the students to remember is that they are a team, and I am thankful to have seen
such emphasis placed on this rule inside the classroom each day.

2) Classroom Documents:
Photographs of the classroom arrangement.

Reflection on Classroom Document:

The classroom arrangement was set up wonderfully in this classroom. There was the
perfect amount of space for the amount of desks, chairs, and tables, as well as other items that
were spread out around the classroom. I love the fact that the teacher grouped the students desks
together, because I feel that it not only allowed the classroom to have more space, than if they
were scattered around, but it also allows the students to work together and form relationships by
being together. The teacher has her computer up in front of the classroom, which is great because
it gives her the opportunity to be near the students when on the computer, instead of in the back
of the classroom. The teacher does not have her own desk, but instead she has a table that she
works at directly behind the students, so that she is able to see the classroom fully. I really like
the fact that she has a table instead of a desk, because it allows room for students to work with
her when it is necessary. I also like that the computers are in a corner and the books in another,

because both areas need space, and quiet so that the students are able to work effectively. Overall
I feel that the layout and arrangement of this classroom is spacious, warm, cozy, and inviting not
only for the teacher, but the students as well, which helps to make the learning environment
important.

3.) Teacher Interview:

Interview Protocol
Teacher

Interviewer: Morgan McDaniel

Interviewee:

14

Date:

Time:

(These are sample questions. Please add your own questions to learn more about your
specific classroom. This interview should take place in your initial meeting, prior to the two
week intensive).

Planning Questions:
How do you write a typical lesson plan?
-

Find the standards, Unpack the standards, Document,

Assessment. Plan in reverse.

What types of materials do you need available when you plan lessons?
-

Standards, Unpacking Documents, Worksheets, Books

In what ways do you plan to accommodate individual differences in the classroom?

-

The students can be placed in small groups, or Work individually

with the teacher. It goes as far as, where do the children need to sit in the
classroom.

Instructional Questions:
What are some of your instructional challenges as a teacher?
-

Many of the students are far below grade level when they first

come to class, so it is difficult to get them to all meet the same levels.
What have been some of your instructional successes as a teacher?

When the students truly understand the lesson, grasp the

material, Show years worth of growth, and pass the EOGs at the end of the year.
What do you consider essential characteristics for successful teaching?
-

Good work ethic, positive attitude, Dependability, Loyalty, etc.

How often do your students receive social studies/science instruction?

-

Daily. Science and Social studies are on a two week rotation- 45

minutes each day.

Are you satisfied with the amount of time that you currently allot for social
studies/science instruction? Explain.
-

Yes, this year I am. We are getting to it daily, and covering the

material.
What social studies and science topics/units will be studied during the second week of
my clinical experience? What are possible goals/objectives I could address for my
lessons? Do you have any instructional resources that would support these
goals/objectives?
-

There will be no science or social studies lesson studied the

second week, due to studying health for this week.

What does reading instruction look like in your classroom (e.g. readers workshop,

basals, etc.)?
-

Readers workshop model- Mini lesson, Computers/Ipads, Word

Work.
What reading topics will be studied during the 2nd week of my clinical experience?
What are possible goals/objectives I could address for my reading lesson? Do you have
any instructional resources that would support these goals/objectives?
-

Comparing/Contrasting the theme, setting, and plot in stories

written by the same author. Finding the gist of the story. 3 readings. Answer
questions at the end of the passage.

Classroom Management Questions:

What motivation tactics do you use to ensure a desire to learn?
-

Short term and Long term goals. Tracking the students.

Tell me about the classroom community. What are the class rules? How is student
behavior monitored? In what ways is positive behavior reinforced? In what ways are
negative behaviors prevented? Tell me about the consequences for negative behavior.
-

The class rules are: We show respect for each other., We

always follow directions., We try our best., We learn from our mistakes.,

and We are a team.

Tell me about the pacing of lessons and interaction in the classroom- use of time- and
other aspects of timewait time, and time using teacher talk and student talk. What
works well with your students?
-

Student talk- mostly, it helps to master the standards. This allows

them to not hear the teacher talking all the time, but all of the students the
opportunity to talk with their classmates. Students are always busy working, not
much wait time.

Reflection on Teacher Interview:

My teacher gave feedback that was timely and detailed enough for me to understand how
she works and what her classroom is like. We were able to take the time to sit down together and
go over the interview questions, which I enjoyed because I was able to fully understand
everything we talked about. It is important that when a student takes over a teacher's classroom,
they know exactly what is expected of them and how they should run the class, and the teacher

gave detailed feedback that prepared me to do my best when taking over the class. I really
enjoyed getting standards from the teacher to help me create my lessons, and advice on how to
make my lessons great so that the students are actively engaged the entire time, while learning
the material. My teacher was able to give me documents and other resources that I could use for
my lessons, so that they directly related to the topics they have covered throughout the year.
Overall, my teacher gave feedback on the interview questions that helped me prepare for two
wonderful weeks in her class.

4.) Student Interview:

Student Interview
March 24, 2016
3rd Grade Student
1) Would you rather free write or be given a prompt?
- I would rather free write, because you can think of your own ideas and you dont
have to write what someone else tells you to write.
2) What do you enjoy writing about?
- I enjoy writing about my own stories. Chapter stories, about a child who is going
through hard experiences.
3) What makes a great learner?
- A great learner doesnt let himself/herself get down. They build themselves up.
Try better next time.
4) What makes a great teacher?
- A teacher who gives their focus to their students, helps them with their grades,
and makes sure they pay attention to whats going on.
5) How often do you write?
- Maybe 2-3 times a week.
6) How do you learn best?

I learn best by seeing examples, and then I try to change the way I do it, so I

become better at it.

Reflection on Student Interview:

The 3rd grade student that I interviewed was wonderful because she took time to share
her thoughts not only to the questions that I asked, but other things that were important to her
that she felt like I needed to know as well. I wanted to spend this time getting to know the
student and the answers that she provided allowed me the opportunity to not only see how she
worked best, but why she learned best certain ways. She was very positive and gave great detail
in her explanations, especially on the topic of why she likes to free write, and what she enjoys
writing about. She told me the importance of positivity in the classroom and why she feels so
strongly about it, and I was able to see exactly what made her a wonderful student. The student
loves to learn, and enjoys every aspect of school, which was incredible to hear. Overall, the
student interview was very successful, and it gave me the opportunity to learn things about this
student that helped make her great, and I am thankful for that.

ELED 3226 Overall Clinical Experience Reflection:

Overall, this clinical experience was wonderful and one that I will always remember. The
clinical teacher was great, and showed me many different characteristics that I can have to help
me become the best teacher that I can be. I learned the importance of having a positive attitude,

caring heart, friendliness, strictness, and an outgoing personality. These are all things that any
teacher should have toward their students, so that the relationship among them in the classroom
will be wonderful. I understand how crucial it is that a teacher plan effectively and in a timely
manner, so that they are prepared to teach the students each day. It is important to find standards
that directly relate to each topic and subject so that your lessons can build on from there. The
students were all amazing, and I really enjoyed getting to know each one, and their different
personalities. The students behaved exceptionally and made sure to show the importance of
learning in the classroom. The lessons I taught went much better than I expected, and the
feedback that the teacher gave me will be things that I will take and apply to every lesson I create
in the future, so that I can be the best teacher possible for my students. I also learned that in order
to have a successful/manageable classroom, a teacher and the students should establish rules and
routines that are expected to be followed each day. This will be a way for the class to stay
connected and engaged with one another throughout the entire year. These are just a few of the
important things that I learned from this clinical experience, but there is so much more that I am
taking away from this experience, and I am incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to
teach this 3rd grade class these past two weeks. Overall, this experience was one that I will look
back on and remember when I become a teacher, and I hope to be able to apply everything that I
learned in my own classroom one day.

Log:

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