2008 Woodie Awards
Sending Students Into Their Field
Is teaching the right profession for you?
By Jennifer Rubino
Issue date: 1/22/07 Section: Campus News
Kean University wants to prepare its future teachers for successful careers by providing them with as much experience as possible, so students that plan on becoming teachers must have three years of field experience prior to gradation. Other majors may require you to take an internship for one or two semesters, but you are not required to do the field work until at least your junior year. It may be helpful for students deciding to become educators to know exactly what the world of education has in store for them. Just what does it take to get through sophomore, junior and senior field experience? Well, here is what you can expect.
Sophomores will complete the first field experience during their Fall or Spring semester. Students will observe classrooms and assess their interest in teaching. Students observe for three days each in an urban and suburban classroom setting. Students are encouraged to see multiple grade levels during this time. Students begin to keep a reflective journal of their observations in order to construct meaning from their time in the classroom. Topics discussed include the effectiveness of the teacher and the possibility of different teaching techniques. Students are also required to start their educational portfolio, which is a collection of artifacts and journal entries from their field experience. This is a chance for students to take on the role of a professional. Students will not plan or teach any lessons during the introductory field experience, but they are expected to dress and behave in a professional manner.
As a junior, students will be placed in a school to complete their field work for a semester. They will spend one half of a day per week in the classroom. Their course work will focus on basic teaching strategies and curriculum content. Students will now have an opportunity to take on the role of the teacher instead of just observing. Teachers encourage that the students actively involve themselves in planning and teaching a successful lessons, and they will continue to add to their professional portfolios.
Sophomores will complete the first field experience during their Fall or Spring semester. Students will observe classrooms and assess their interest in teaching. Students observe for three days each in an urban and suburban classroom setting. Students are encouraged to see multiple grade levels during this time. Students begin to keep a reflective journal of their observations in order to construct meaning from their time in the classroom. Topics discussed include the effectiveness of the teacher and the possibility of different teaching techniques. Students are also required to start their educational portfolio, which is a collection of artifacts and journal entries from their field experience. This is a chance for students to take on the role of a professional. Students will not plan or teach any lessons during the introductory field experience, but they are expected to dress and behave in a professional manner.
As a junior, students will be placed in a school to complete their field work for a semester. They will spend one half of a day per week in the classroom. Their course work will focus on basic teaching strategies and curriculum content. Students will now have an opportunity to take on the role of the teacher instead of just observing. Teachers encourage that the students actively involve themselves in planning and teaching a successful lessons, and they will continue to add to their professional portfolios.