REFLECTIVE JOURNAL - 12 - TWO DAYS IN THE LIFE OF A FIELD OBSERVER

The word dynamic is truly an appropriate term to describe a school’s environment: no two days are the same. I experienced this first hand as a Practicum Field Observer. The two days I spent on the field were unique in their own capacities; however, I would attempt to summarize the overall experience.

 My time spent at the school was enriching as I gained a greater perspective regarding how a school functions. One of the main challenges at the school was physical space, hence I was crammed in a corner for the two days (unless I ventured outside to explore). Despite this, I was comfortable. I felt like a part of the environment.

The exercise was useful to sensitize prospective teachers to the operations of the learning environment. Experience in the field is an asset.

As a new face at the school, I was subject to scrutiny by many individuals: the principal, teaching staff, students, colleagues, parents, security and auxiliary staff. I believe I was viewed as a non-threatening factor at the school. I was warmly approached by all. I repetitively had to explain my reason for being at the school because no one seemed to know what being a field observer entailed. I also had to clarify misconceptions that I was there to teach, or that I would be visiting the school regularly.

My level of maturity as a professional is such that, “If life gives me lemons, I’ll make lemonade.” Teachers are usually very busy; hence, it was extremely challenging to obtain all the information I needed for my assignment. I was very mindful not to encroach on anyone’s time or space. I devised a strategy to ask different individuals different questions, so that I would not take too much time from any one individual. This was a great opportunity for me to connect with all the teachers; however, it was a disadvantage if a teacher did not have the knowledge to respond to my question.

I intend to use this experience as a comparative tool for my next field experience. I learnt that I do not need an ideal situation, to provide an ideal teaching experience. I must be able to find creative ways to work around the challenges of the work place (be it physical or otherwise), and not use these limitations as excuses for poor performance or mediocrity.

Dealing with other human beings is always an interesting yet educational experience. There is always something new to learn about the way persons conduct themselves. Ironically, other persons’ behavior also teaches me some things about myself.

Before this, I thought of myself as not having much to offer because I am not a trained teacher. However, from observing others, I realized that I have not given myself enough credit.

Based on people's reactions, I think as a professional I would need to guard against temptations to malign those with whom I will work. I must also expect that my co-workers may not be as professional in their approaches, and know that they may speak ill of me. I was appalled at how easily some of the teachers divulged negative information about their colleagues to a total stranger.

My communication skills were tested because I had to find a polite way to express that I did not desire to know of anyone else’s personal affairs through secondary sources, without offending those from whom I needed to get information.

I believe my deportment was professional and that I represented UTT well. These sentiments were echoed by the school’s principal at the conclusion of my Field Observation exercise.