SPED 702 Field Work Assignments

During your 20 hours of participation or observation, undertake these tasks and write a detailed report.  If you observed in more than one classroom, each question may address the classroom of your choice (please identify which one), or you may compare and contrast classrooms for each question.  Please attach all forms that you complete in preparation for answering these questions.  This packet must be STAPLED together with a rubric on the front (NO paper clips).  If you need a stapler with a longer staple, see Dr. Mac previous to or after class to use the SPED office stapler. 

Respond to each of the following items and submit all answers in one report.

1. Does the teacher have a posted behavior management system?  Does the teacher's behavior management system contain all four components of a good behavior management program? (see the home page link titled "Creating your own personalized behavior management program"). How would you strengthen/improve the program?

2. Evaluate the classroom with regard to the way it is "set up" with regard to furnishings, etc..  For your evaluation consider the items on the checklist for activity #11 inside the home page link titled "Managing behavior via classroom design". (http://behavioradvisor.com/ClassroomDesign.html).  Attach the checklist to the back of your report. 

3. Describe the routines have been set up to foster smooth transitions and activities (e.g., lining up, handing in papers, asking questions, etc.).  If they are not working well, why is that the case? 

4.  In what ways does the teacher "catch kids being good"? Evaluate the commentary/procedures using the guidelines found on our class web site ("Catching kids being good" and "Problems with catching kids being good"). Also, create a page that includes the questions (and ratings) and a grid similar to the one you see below (to record the number of times the various types of praise were uttered by the teacher you are observing). Please identify the amount of time for each observation session, and the activities that were occuring (It might not be five sessions that you observe, but the observation sessions should add up to at least 30 minutes).  On your page include:

I would rate my supervising teacher as (circle one number on the 4 point continuum):                                      

1.Well liked by our students   2.       3.       4.Not liked very well by the students

I would rate my supervising teacher as (circle one number on the 4 point continuum):                          

1. Highly respected by our students      2.       3.       4.Generally disrespected

I would rate my teacher as an (circle one number on the 4 point continuum):

1.Effective behavior manager   2.      3.     4.Ineffective behavior manager 

Praise Tally Sheet	To one student	To a group of students	To the whole class
Controlling
Effuse
Faint
Grades/Perfection
Labeling
Unearned
Descriptive
General Appreciative ("Thank you" in context so kids understand why they are being praised)
Descriptive Appreciative ("Thank you for..." with behavior identified)

5. Create a grid, similar to this one to record the number of times that your teacher utters the various types of “directions”.  Please identify the amount of time for each observation session, and the activities that were occuring (You might not observe for five different sessions, but the total observation time for this particular assignment should amount to at least 30 minutes).  Analyze the results and reflect on the events that occurred.

	Session 1	Session 2	Session 3	Session 4	Session 5
Describe the problem
Ask a question
Give a choice
Short statement
Give information
Proximity praise
I message
Clear, concise command
CC With reason
CC with penalty avoidance

 

6. Would you label this teacher as being assertive, non-assertive, or hostile? (See the BehaviorAdvisor.com home page link on "Assertive discipline") What suggestions would you make (if any) that would improve upon the teachers' behavior management abilities?

7. Print out the checklist found in the BehaviorAdvisor.com link titled "A Checklist (to assess your behavior management skills)".  Use it to assess the teacher's behavior management skills.

8. Print out the BehaviorAdvisor.com home page link titled "Managing behavior with your instructional style"   Use it to evaluate the teacher's skills in this area.

Respond to each numbered item separately. Your paper must reflect graduate level work to be accepted (otherwise it will be returned for revisions). It should evidence thoughtfulness, reflection, and good writing mechanics. Staple the rubric to the front. DO NOT place your report in any sort of cover or folder.

Click here to read an exemplary example of a Field Work Report

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