8/2/2019 External Observations Form

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External Observations

Describe the school and what was observed (activities, teaching methods, etc.)

My observation was at Northview Middle School was in the classroom of Amy

Miller. I observed and helped in her Algebra classes on April 19 as they reviewed for a

recycle test. I chose to do my first observation in the same school as I am student

teaching to start to steal ideas from other teachers that I know and respect.

The Algebra Classes in our school get the chance to take the test twice a couple of

weeks apart. The day I as observing they were preparing for the 2nd time students

would take the test. Mrs. Miller started by reviewing the old test and letting students

know how the tests would differ. Each student got to see their old test and compare their

answers to the correct ones. This gave students the chance to see what problems and

mistakes they had made the previous time and try to fix those.

After reviewing the old test, Mrs. Miller handed out a review worksheet. For this

test there were three formulas students would need to use. Students had to go through

the worksheet and identify which formula to use and write this down and get it

approved by either myself or Mrs. Miller before they could start to solve. I really liked

this idea. By checking them, students did not have to do unnecessary work and we made

sure that they knew what formula applied to what situation. Once they had our initials

down, students could work on the problems. This gave us the opportunity to work with

students who may need more help.

Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and got great ideas about how students

can work together and with the teacher in a relaxed setting. Students stayed engaged

and got the work done, but were able to enjoy working with groups and partners. I

enjoyed watching her relationships with the students and hope to be able to do the same

when I am a full time teacher.

Teacher Signature: Date: School and Grade Level:

_Amy Miller________ April 19, 2012 Northview Middle School, 9th grade

8/2/2019 External Observations Form

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External Observations

Describe the school and what was observed (activities, teaching methods, etc.)

My observation at Waukee Middle School provided a lot of great insight. I helped

in 6th grade Pre-Algebra classes taught by Jon Nost. These students are some of the most

advanced for their age group and thus were able to work very independently. Mr. Nost

gave a short period of direct instruction and the rest of the class was followed with

collaborative learning and guided instruction. Students were able to mainly learn by

themselves or with small groups to master the material.

I also learned much about how Waukee assesses. Students and the teacher decide

together when they will test. This allows them to determine when they are ready and feel

confident in the material. This means all students may not assess at the same time, it is

when the student is ready.

Waukee also does standard based grading. This means each standard is assessed

by a rubric for each student. The teachers created a rubric detailing what criteria each

student must meet to be at the level of beginning, developing, satisfactory, or exceed

expectations for each standard. When students assess their understanding is evaluated

based off the rubric.

These ideas are all things I want to implement in my class. Standards based

grading is something that takes a lot of work but also that can be valuable and

eliminates point counting. I also loved how much independent learning happened.Students knew the routine and expectations and worked together to solve problems.

This would not work in all classes but with students at a high level, standards based

grading would be amazing.

Teacher Signature: Date: School and Grade Level:

Jon Nost April 24, 2012 Waukee Middle School, 6th grade

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External Observations

Describe the school and what was observed (activities, teaching methods, etc.)

My observation at Ankeny High School with Karen OLoughlin was in her AP

Computer Science class and her Intro to Computer Programming class. In both of the

classes students worked on computers to complete projects individually.

Having never been a teacher in a computer lab before, I found it interesting to

observe. The AP students were able to work mainly by themselves to complete work.

Although some were slightly off task at times, in general they all worked towards their

end goal. Mrs. OLoughlin provided individual guidance when needed but otherwise

observed and answered questions.

In the Intro to Computer Programming class, Mrs. OLoughlin introduced a new

subject. She projected and displayed a power point on each students screen and handedthem a note guide. Students were able to work on other things on their computer which

allowed some students to be off task. Although most students paid attention, the length

of the lecture did not prove to be an engaging class structure.

If I was ever to have class in a computer lab, I would work that students were off

task. I would want the screens to face me and allows students to turn around to face the

front. This would let me monitor what students were doing and if they were on task. I

also saw that it was important to walk around and engage students in a discussion. This

would keep them on task and help me build relationships with them. Overall, I thought

it was a valuable experience and a good observation.

Teacher Signature: Date: School and Grade Level:

Karen OLoughlin April 24, 2012 Ankeny High School, All grades