EDUC 350 Field Notes #1- Fly on The Wall

What is going on in the mind and life of an adolescent?

Sounds like
The room is mostly silent. A fan hums in the background. Students occasionally whisper. Some
ask questions quietly. Sporadic sighs and yawns are heard. The clicking of keyboards can be
heard over the teachers wandering footsteps. One student snaps his fingers while another
hums. As students finish their tests, the rustling of papers and pencils fills the room.
Looks like
Colorful student work coats the walls. The blinds are open, letting in natural light and displaying
a vibrant plot diagram draw in erasable marker. There is a plant hanging in front of the window
and another sitting on the counter. The SMART board is blank, but the white board is filled with
directions and announcements written in green. Students are seated in table groups of four.
There is a row of students on the back wall. Their eyes are locked on their computer screens.
Sometimes, their gazes wander. Students display intense faces with occasional smiles. The
teacher walks around the room observing.
Feels like
The room is stuffy without fresh air. The air, seats, and laptops are all warm. The desks are cool
and smooth. The students computer keys and papers are also smooth. The atmosphere is
mostly calm and relaxed; however, anxiety is in the air. The students are under pressure.
Smells like
Closely confined bodies release sweat. A faint human smell lingers in the shut-up room. The
air is recirculated, not fresh. Over time, the room seems odorless.
Other
The students appear engaged and motivated to complete their online test. Their faces express
thinking and determination. Remaining still and silent does seem to be a challenge for many;
however, the task is manageable as long as small movements and soft noises are permitted. The
teachers nearby presence often causes movement and noise levels to lower.
Take Aways:
I noticed that this test challenged more than content knowledge and the application of skills; the
lengthy, independent, and silent structure added additional behavioral challenges for middle
school students. I wonder if such strict restrictions of movement and voice are helpful or
harmful in assessment. Would the students perform better giving presentations, collaborating
with peers, or moving around to stations? None the less, this traditional assessment style can be
conquered by middle school students with some effort and alternative forms of testing may
cause complications. I also noticed the integration of technology in assessment was smooth. The
students were able to type lengthy responses in a much shorter time than if the test were one
paper. I hope to integrate technology this effectively in my own class one day.