Reflective Fieldnote - Blog Entry #4

What are your overall impressions of this observation?
Just looking into these students eyes and the struggles many of them have trying to breakdown the language barrier and understanding the questions being asked of them is a huge eye-opening experience. Though the student I observed has very limited English, he is beginning to grasp the meaning of the language and communicate to me and others within the classroom. It is amazing to watch the way his eyes light up when he shares his understanding of a concept or skill which has been taught or when he attempts to add to the conversation of the group discussions. It is truly amazing.

What did you learn as a result of the fieldwork?
As an educator, I am always trying to be observant of all my students interactions within the classroom and other students, yet, I feel this fieldwork has provided me with the opportunity to focus on one student and watch his interactions with me, other students, and the classroom setting. This fieldwork has also made me aware of my students life outside the classroom setting. Their experiences outside the classroom have an important role in the classroom. When students enter our classrooms we are not only educating the child but their family and community as well.

What is the value in case study research and analysis in terms of classroom practice?
It provides an educator with the opportunity to look at their classroom or another classroom setting and reflect upon ways to improve instruction and meeting the needs of students. Through this case study we have had to think about the ethnic groups which make up our classroom, the community, as well as observing and interviewing one student to determine their perspective on their family as well as how they interact with others.

What is the value of the ethnographic narrative?
The ethnographic narrative allows you to learn about the students life outside of the classroom setting. I found this narrative to be similar to the All About Me projects I do at the beginning of the school year. I have the students share things about themselves and their families. It provides me and other students the opportunity to learn about each other and our families. I start with me and then ask the students to work on the project with their families at home and then bring it in to share with the class.

How will this information assist future teachers (next year's teachers) as well as yourself in meeting the needs of this particular second language learner?
Being aware of a students cultural background and their prior experiences is very relevant in preparing for them to have a successful learning experience in the classroom. Being aware of how students interacted with their prior teacher and classmates can and is a beneficial tool for meeting the needs of students. I think of it like this when we are preparing to introduce a new unit of study we begin with prior experiences and background knowledge, so if that is an important part of a lesson, shouldn't it be even more relevant with our students.