Clinical Field Experience A: Observing Student Engagement in Science and Health

Allocate at least 3 hours in the field to support this field experience.

Part 1: Observation

Observing a classroom environment can provide much needed detail and understanding of students’ learning needs and continued progress.

Observe a K-8 classroom during a science lesson. If possible, observe a lesson that integrates health, PE, or nutrition. During your observation of the lesson, complete the “Clinical Field Experience A: Science Observation” form.

With the help of your mentor teacher, identify 3-5 students above, at, or below standard achievement in the classroom environment that would benefit from additional learning support. Ask your mentor teacher for the unit and standards the class is currently learning, in order to develop the pre-assessment for Clinical Field Experience B and inquire about implementing a science pre-assessment during Clinical Field Experience B. 

Speak with your mentor teacher and, provided permission, use any remaining time to seek out opportunities to observe and/or assist your mentor teacher or another teacher and work with a small group of students on instruction in the classroom. Your mentor teacher must approve any hours spent observing another classroom environment.

Part 2: Reflection

Maintain your documentation to develop an instructional approach with students. As a follow up to your observation, reflect on your observation experience.

Following your observation, discuss the science lesson with your mentor teacher. In 250-500 words, summarize your observation and discussion with your mentor teacher, and describe how you will apply what you have learned to your future professional practice.

Your discussion should answer the following questions: How do you engage students in learning opportunities specific to science? How do the science lessons promote critical thinking and problem solving skills? How did the students respond and engage during instruction and independent work? How do you modify or adjust instruction based on response from students? How do you prepare to teach instruction in the content area (vocabulary, knowledge of material, content standards, resources)?

Submit the “Clinical Field Experience A: Science Observation” form and reflection as one deliverable.

APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.