Catherine Shea

Professor Suk
EDUC 230-01 Education Field Experience
Spring 2018
Rationale Statement

3. Standard Three: Learning Environments The teacher works with others to create environments
that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction,
active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

Artifact: Observation Report #1

Date of Completion: April 2018

Course Completed in: EDUC-230-02 Education Field Experience

Rationale Statement:
In this observation report, I have demonstrated how the classroom is set up and how the
classroom is a vital part of the learning experience. The lead teacher worked to create a space
where students could focus primarily on their studies, but also socialize with their peers for
collaborative learning. In the observation, I report, “There are limited distractions as all of the
seats are facing forward towards the board/projector, although some students choose to turn their
bodies to almost sit sideways facing their peers. At this age level and in this subject, where
individual silent reading is important to their studies, the chair setup is actually helpful and
allows them to focus”. This directly relates to standard three because it shows how the teacher,
through the set-up of the classroom, has “supported individual and collaborative learning, and
that encourage positive social interaction, and active engagement in learning” ​(New Jersey
Department of Education, 2014, p.4)

Through completing the first observation, I realized how much thought goes into the set
up and placement of furniture in a classroom. Previously, I had assumed that planning for
classrooms was only necessary in elementary schools, since they require more space for
activities, toys, and supplies. However, through researching more on secondary education
classrooms I have realized that there are benefits to certain chair placements and formations that
the average person would not be aware of. Also, through observing the lead and cooperating
teachers I noticed how vital placement is while communicating with students during class time. I
realized how there is so much more to teaching that just the actual act of teaching. There is
planning and researching that goes beyond the actual instruction being done.
 I could use this resource when thinking of how I could potentially set up my classroom.
The research and information I gained through this observation would help me set up an
effective, collaborative, and inclusive classroom where all of my students felt welcomed. Going
forward in my career, I can use this document to model an ideal classroom.

Reference

New Jersey Department of Education. (2014). ​New Jersey professional standards for teachers
alignment with InTASC​. Retrieved from
http://www.state.nj.us/education/profdev/profstand/ProfStandardsforTeachersAlignment
withInTASC.pdf