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Nick Plourde

PHED 239

4/2/14

Site Observation Assignment


1. During my site observation at East Longmeadow High School, I was able to evaluate the interactions of those in the class to better gauge how I can plan for my lessons based on their cooperation. To begin, the students interacted with one another very well. Furthermore, I didnt really see any problems occur among them in terms of their relationships between each other. It was obvious what the different peer groups were due to the varying ways in which they collaborated with each other. Essentially, it seemed as if the learners only really conversated with members of similar factions of friends, whereas there was no communication that took place with their other peers. In regards to the students interactions with Kevin (cooperating teacher), I felt like they really respected his guidance when he spoke to them since they always listened silently, which goes to show how much his learners appreciate the instruction he presents them with. However, it should be noted though that they were consistently using profane language in front of him where he would have to remind them to stop saying such obscenities. To me, this shows that he is either laid back about these behaviors or they just dont care about getting into trouble. Unfortunately, I was unable to watch Alicias (other cooperating teacher) class since she rotates her teaching times with Kevin. I also did not get see how the students interacted with administrators at the school upon my visit. As a whole, I can conclude that

my class is fairly comfortable around each other due to the fact they are not shy about performing activities issued to them at high intensity. 2. The characteristics of the students for which I observed were far different than any other age group I have already taught. One of the more noticeable qualities of these learners was that they had all reached full physical maturity in terms of visible body features. For instance, the boys all had facial, armpit, and leg hair, whereas all of the girls had wider hips. Another trait in which I discovered among the students is that peers and the media guide their behavior. This became most apparent in how the clothes they were wearing all resembled one another, which, in other words, can be expressed as each of them pretty much having the same fashion sense. A specific illustration of this was how multiple children had on shirts for professional sport teams and musical artists. The only other common attribute I detected among the learners was that they were really friendly with members of the opposite sex. In fact, most groups of friends within the class were comprised of both males and females, where it was a prevalent instance to visibly see them touch one another. Based on these characteristics, I now can better formulate my instruction to meet the stude nts needs and interests.

3. The rules, routines, and management techniques used by my cooperating teacher were very effective in relation to keeping his students on task. In addition, he was very strict with regards to ensuring that each learner who was prepared for class needed to be actively engaged during each task. If not, they were then reprimanded to step up their performance or

else receive a lowered grade for the day. As far as routines, I noticed that he does his closure before the last activity is completed in order to give the students ample time to get ready for their next class after the task has concluded without having to instruct them to do so. For management techniques, I discovered that once each student enters the gymnasium they must stand in a designated area and wait for their peers to arrive so that attendance can be taken before they are allowed to enter the locker room and change. It will be of major significance that I try to assimilate some of these procedures into my lessons to achieve a better flow of instruction.

4. The two units for which I will be teaching the students are badminton and football. Both of these sports are perfect to instruct based on the facilities and equipment they have at the school, which include two gymnasiums (one main and one smaller) and a multi-purpose turf field as well as a large closet filled with a variety of new and used physical education fixtures. Although I am not certain, my thoughts are that the teachers decide on what units they will be presenting based upon time of the year. A major factor linked to these decisions is the weather seeing as it allows what lessons can take place outside as opposed to indoors. Another influence which corresponds to these choices is what sport seasons are going on so that they can match up the units and the sports being played at the same time of year simultaneously. On the other hand, a different component that may also play a role on concluding what to instruct is the skill level needs of the students. The duration of each unit is around three weeks, which provides substantial time to create simple to complex progressions for the content brought

forth to the learners. It will be of great importance that I utilize this development of skills during my teaching experience in order to increase the chances of the learners having success with the material.

5. There were a few minor discipline issues for which I observed while at the school. The most frequent of them was the students use of profane language. To desist these incidents, the teacher calmly advised them to use different words. The only other disciplinary matter that occurred during the lesson were that some learners were, knowingly, not positioned where they were supposed to be when performing its tasks. For instance, one student who was not even in the class came in to conversate with one of her friends on the side of the bleachers, while another decided to not participate in the activities and, instead, sit with the injured individuals who were off to the side. In both cases, the instructor ordered the offenders to go to where they needed to be or else severe consequences would result from their actions. With regards to the discipline policy, I am unsure of what it exactly is in light of the fact I didnt get the chance to ask about it. My hope is that I dont have to deal with very many discipline issues during my teaching at the site, but, in the event they do happen to transpire, my goal is to be firm and fair with everyone.

6. The average class size was around twenty-five students (the class I will be instructing is made up of twenty-four students), which is a common value for secondary school physical

education classes. Additionally, they were all divided by grade level, where I happen to be teaching students from the eleventh grade. In planning for my lessons, it will be critical that I take each of these factors into account so that I can adjust my instruction accordingly.

7. In relation to teaching high school level students, I have three concerns for which I am worried about. Firstly, I am slightly apprehensive about how the learners will react to my instruction. This is due to the fact that I am only a few years older than them, so my thoughts are that they wont take me seriously. Another of my concerns is the time block I have to teach in. It is because of this timespan as to why I am scared about how to create tasks that will keep the learners engaged for this extended duration. My final concern is whether or not I will be able to keep my students in control with regards to having to issue them with disciplinary action. In light of how I am not their actual teacher, there is a good chance that they might act in an unruly manner towards me with the thought that they will get away with their behavior. I will say, though, that I was concerned about the possibility of having to teach swimming or tennis due to the fact the school has a pool and tennis courts, but upon learning that this was not going to be the case my anxiety subsided. These are all areas that I am hesitant in facing, but it will be of major significance that I work to conquer them with the best of my ability.

8. What I am most looking forward to in regards to teaching students at the high school level is the content I will be presenting. I am really excited that I will finally be able to issue the

learners material with which I am more familiar with. I find enjoyment in explaining different strategies that help individuals to be successful during gameplay in a variety of sports. Based on, what I believe, is extensive content knowledge with this curriculum, my hope is that I can challenge my learners by asking them questions which force them to critically think about the material that is brought forth. In doing this, they will, as a result, be able to take away more insight from my instruction. Overall, although it will be a great test to work with those who correspond with this age group of children, a highly rewarding experience is likely to ensue from this training.

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