Assignment:
Clinical Field Experience A: Group Learning Environments
Allocate at least 2 hours in the field to support this field experience.
Part 1: Observation
For this field experience, spend time in an elementary classroom, grade K-8, observing a group learning activity and collaborating with your mentor teacher. Coordinate with your mentor teacher to determine the best time to observe a group learning activity. As you are observing, complete the "Group Learning Environment Technique" template.
Part 2: Collaboration
Following your observation, collaborate with your mentor teacher to learn more about the group learning techniques implemented in the classroom.
Below is a list of questions to discuss:
- How do you create an environment conducive to group learning activities?
- What behavior situations arise during group learning activities?
- How do you deal with behavior situations during group learning activities?
- How do you set the expectations for group learning activities?
- What strategies are the most beneficial when managing group learning activities?
Ask two additional questions of your own.
Part 3: Reflection
In 250 to 500 words, summarize and reflect on your observation and collaboration in your mentor teacher's classroom. Discuss the classroom environment and why it is conducive to group and cooperative learning, expectations, and student engagement. Explain how you will use your findings in your future professional practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.
Document the locations and hours you spend in the field on your Clinical Field Experience Verification Form.
Submit the Clinical Field Experience Verification Form to LoudCloud in the last topic. Directions for submitting can be found on the College of Education site in the Student Success Center.
2. Group Learning Environments
Students learn in a variety of settings and environments. Group learning creates an environment of engagement and motivation. It gives students a chance to learn from each other in a cooperative learning setting.
Part 1: Classroom Design
For this assignment, you will create and design your own classroom using an online classroom design tool. Your design should focus on group and cooperative learning in the classroom environment and include:
- The layout of the classroom.
- Where the desks/tables will be placed to facilitate group learning.
- Where the technology will be located so students with diverse needs have equitable access.
Part 2: Group Learning Reflection
In 500 to 750 words, identify effective engagement and motivation strategies that promote student learning and describe how you will incorporate group learning techniques into your future teaching practices. Describe how these techniques will help students understand the classroom expectations and procedures and how to work productively.
In your reflection, address:
- Grade level, content area, and rationale as to why your classroom design is conducive to group learning.
- Description of the classroom setting and focus of the room.
- Description of the strategies to foster organization.
- How group learning activities help students work productively and promote students' growth and development.
- How to communicate effectively with students with diverse needs, including language barriers and cultural differences.
- How you will use these engagement strategies in your future professional practice.
Support your findings with a minimum of three scholarly resources.
Submit the classroom layout and reflection as one deliverable.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.
Classroom Architect
Explore the Classroom Architect website.
Read "G-R-O-U-P W-O-R-K Doesn't Spell Collaboration," by Quinn, from Phi Delta Kappan (2013).