Field Observation Reflection Paper

In order for teachers to get the most out of day to day activities and every minute of classroom time, they need to reflect on their classroom observations. By reflecting, conclusions and inferences can be attained from each and every observation. When I observed a couple classes in a local high school, I reflected on many things. My top three observations include: two homerooms combined to watch a technology video with dimmed lights, classroom doors were left open in Accounting 2 class and shut in Accounting 1 class, and students wore headphones in some classes. I will go into further detail of these observations and reflect on every one throughout this paper.

My first observation was that two home-room classrooms combined to watch a technology video together. The lights were dimmed during the video. I reflected many things about this observation. My first reflection is that the school really cares about their students and their future, enough to teach them about the changes in technology and how it affects them. It also shows that teachers care about time management and encourage camaraderie among students. Contrary, these teachers might have shown the video to one class at a time if they had more resources, like projectors.

I also reflected on the lights being dimmed during the video. The lights could have been dimmed so that the students could focus and concentrate on the screen to see it easier. I also think that students paid more attention to the lighted areas of the room and not the dimmer or darker areas. On a positive note, by having the lights dimmed, teachers might be able to detect cell phone light so that students don’t text during the video. I also think by students watching the video together might have caused some distractions, because they may have friends in the other classroom that may distract others.

My second observation took place when I was observing Accounting I and II classrooms. The doors were left open during the Accounting I class, and shut during the Accounting II class (test during Accounting II). Reflecting on this observation makes me think that open doors are mandated by the principal or it might be a rule. I reflected that during the Accounting I class, when the doors were left open, students were distracted by other students walking by the room and waving. I also reflected that during test (Accounting I), the doors might have to be shut in order for the classroom to be quiet and for students to stay on task.

My last observation took place Accounting I and Accounting II class as well. Students used headphones in class. They used their headphones during tests or when it was time to do homework. This was a very interesting observation for me because I was never allowed to use headphones in class when I was in high school. I reflected that the school may not have a rule on headphones or they allow them in the classroom. It may be the teachers’ choice, because I did not see students using headphones in any other class. The teachers may allow headphones as long as the students are not being disruptive. I also reflected that using headphones might be a privilege, and could be used for positive reinforcement.

I reflect that using headphones may be a distraction to some students, but that could mean they simply don’t use headphones. Some students might benefit from using headphones, because listening to music might be a part of their study habits. I did reflect on the fact that the classroom was quiet when students were allowed to listen to music by using their headphones. This might be the teachers’ way of classroom management; therefore it might be the only way the teacher can keep the classroom quiet.

In conclusion, I feel that reflections are a very important aspect to teachers and impact the way they continue teaching. Reflections can bring about positive changes into the classroom, to make learning more of a priority to each student. To review my observations, I observed that two homerooms combined to watch a technology video with dimmed lights, doors were left open in Accounting 2 class, and shut in Accounting 1 class, and students wore headphones in class. I have come up with my own reflections to help me in my teaching career, and I am really glad I was given the opportunity to observe at this high school.