Janice Howard
University of Phoenix
Classroom Observation Reflection Paper I had the pleasure of observing Mr. David Knight. Mr. Knight teaches second grade at Bob Hope Primary School on Kadena Air Base. Mr. Knight and I decided that I would observe in the morning for three hours. I arrived at nine o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 just as the students were settling for the morning. As I walked in the door most of the students were seated on the floor facing the smart board. Those that were not seated were sitting in chairs or standing in the same area. Mr. Knight was in the center of the children. The desks were arranged in workstations with four to five desk at each station. There were a total of four desk workstations. Computers were in the back corner of the room set up like a small computer lab. Across from the door was an area that he referred to as the library. The students turned in completed work, retrieved worksheets, and worked on reading and small group projects in the library area of the class. Mr. Knight’s desk was to the right as soon as you entered the door. This position gave him visual access to all workstations in the room. I entered the room with little distraction and took a seat in the back of the class behind the students. I immediately identified the educational philosophy that Mr. Knight demonstrates. He demonstrates progressivism mostly, but leans heavily towards social reconstructivism. It was obvious in the first ten minutes of my observation that he allows the students to be the center of the educational process. He stressed teamwork in his responses during my interview. He feels that it is important for all students to succeed at their own level. He creates moment of success by assigning a class leader. The Class leader’s responsibility is to lead the class in reciting common facts like the day of the week and the weather. Then the class leader led them
References: Love and Logic Institute, Inc. (2011). Love and Logic: Skills for home, school and life. Retrieved from: http://www.loveandlogic.com