ASSIGNMENT 3 (Instruction): Observe any instructional time in your assigned classroom,

and record your observations when presented with the questions below:

Instruction Question 1: What is the posted daily schedule for different subjects or periods?
>>>

The schedule is occasionally on the smartboard, but Mrs. Goe keeps a printed version by her
desk.
Monday-Thursday
7:35am-8:00am: Journal writing.
8:00am-9:05am: Math
9:05am-9:55am: Specials (A Day-library, B Day- humanities, C Day- P.E., D Day- music)
10:00am-10:30am: Small group reading.
10:35am-11:05am: Small group reading
11:10am-11:40am: Recess/lunch
11:45am-1:15pm: Phonics, reading, and writing.
1:25pm-1:55pm: Acceleration
1:55pm-2:08pm: Pack-up
2:08pm-2:18pm: Dismissal

Friday
7:35am-8:00am: Journal writing.
8:00am-8:45am: Math
8:45am-9:05am: Phonics
9:05am-9:55am: Specials (A Day-library, B Day- humanities, C Day- P.E., D Day- music)
10:00am-10:30am: Small group reading.
10:35am-11:05am: Reading
11:10am-11:40am: Recess/lunch
11:45am-1:15pm: Science/social studies
1:25pm-1:55pm: Acceleration
1:55pm-2:08pm: Pack-up
2:08pm-2:18pm: Dismissal

Instruction Question 2: Is instruction done in small groups, centers, whole groups, individual?
>>>

Instruction is mostly done in whole groups; reading is usually done in small groups and some
students trade classrooms for reading groups depending on reading level.
Instruction Question 3: How would you describe your cooperating teacher’s teaching style?
>>>

I would say Mrs. Goe has closest to an authoritative teaching style. She requires focus, and
rarely veers off of the set schedule/plan. There is some student involvement but not a whole
lot. She is friendly and motivating, but also stays disciplined with her students and will put
them in their place. She refers to this as a tough love, and her students are aware.

Instruction Question 4: Does the teacher incorporate sensory modalities (learning styles)? If so,
give examples. >>>

Mrs. Goe uses a variety of sensory modalities such as auditory and visuals. Auditory books,
flash cards, websites, drawings, and writing examples are a select few of things she uses during
instruction.

Instruction Question 5: Do the students seem engaged in the lesson(s) that are being presented?
Please explain. >>>

Yes, the students seem to be engaging and participating in the lessons that are presented. They
repeat back when asked to do so, they ask questions, and provide answers.

Instruction Question 6: Explain the use of culturally relevant materials, teaching strategies,
class décor, etc. that meet the needs of today’s culturally diverse student population. >>>

The posters and art around the classroom display diversity throughout. These posters display
the alphabet, rules, and critical thinking.

Instruction Question 7: Is instructional time managed efficiently? Please explain >>>

Yes, the time is managed quite efficiently to the exact planned times. As the schedule above
indicates that the class has a tight schedule, and Mrs. Goe maintains that schedule well as it
seems very fast paced.

Instruction Question 8: How does the cooperating teacher handle transitions from one subject
or period to another, and are these transitions efficient? >>>

Mrs. Goe announces the next subject, she then tells the students what will be needed for the
next instruction or passes out papers for the subject, then finally asks for a thumbs up when
ready to proceed.
Instruction Question 9: List ways that the teacher attempts any “attention getting” commands?
(Ex: Countdown, Light flicker, Heads on Desk) How effective are they? >>>

Mrs. Goe asks for a thumbs up and projects her voice, this seems effective.

Instruction Question 10: What specific behavior issues does the teacher have to deal with?
How does the teacher deal with these behavior issues? Be specific. >>>

Trouble lining up, talkers, attitudes, crying. Mrs. Goe calls out to the student immediately to
correct actions or reassigns them a spot. Furthermore, she will try to find the underlying issue
if the incidents persist. She manages these issues by giving warnings and then if there is no
change a message or phone call to parents is made.

Instruction Question 11: Are there any policies or procedures in place that help or hinder
instructional time? If so, explain how they help or hinder use of instructional time. >>>

All policies and procedures are state-mandated, and each subject moves very quickly. I think
that this hinders instructional time because there is not much freedom for the teacher to instruct
creatively or give students who need extra time more help.

Instruction Question 12: What philosophical teaching orientation(s) best describes this teacher?
Give examples. >>>

I would identify Mrs. Goe’s philosophical teaching orientation as essentialism. Mrs. Goe is
strict but also very fun and friendly. She transmits knowledge to students in a systematic,
disciplined way which is very practical and real.

Instruction Question 13: Outline the lesson plan for a teaching lesson you observed. What
preparations in advance were need for teaching the lesson? >>>

Subject: Reading/phonics
Area: floor
Book: You’re a Grand Old Flag by George M. Cohan
Preparations: Flash cards, a book, and the smartboard
Step 1: Keyword practice with flash cards to better understand the book.
Step 2: Go over the purpose of the book they are about to read.
Step 3: Read
Step 4: Ask and answer questions and process what was learned.
Instruction Question 14: Describe both teacher and student uses of technology in the
classroom. >>>

Students use tablets for educational games and assignments, Mrs. Goes uses her computer and
her projector to show students examples, videos, or give instructions for assignments.