Working in the Field!

Working in the Field:

Implementing Direct Instruction and Inquiry Lessons

My group had the distinct honor of being the first group to present and deliver two lessons during fieldwork. Prior to the presentation, we had spent weeks preparing for this day. We prepped thorough, interactive and engaging lessons, incorporated a variety of activities, resources, and technologies and tried our best to create an interesting and engaging investigation. Our direct instruction and inquiry lesson focused on the five senses and we worked diligently at becoming experts on the topic. Click the image on the left to view our group's perfected presentation that we attempted to implement during fieldwork:

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During this fieldwork experience, we were working with elementary students ranging from second graders to fifth graders and were allotted an hour and a half to implement two lesson plans. Prior to implementation, we learned about an instructional approach known as the 5 - E model. This instructional approach provided us with the framework necessary to create an inquiry lesson.  Our overall intended goal was to provide students with an informative, enlightening direct instruction lesson that would help expose students to the knowledge and information on the five senses required in order to engage in the inquiry lesson. However, despite all the activities, ideas, techniques and strategies planned, my group was unable to execute the prepared lesson plans effectively. 

During the experience, our students came to the classroom late, we lost 20 unintentional minutes of instructional time. In the event of lost instructional time, my group and I should have adjusted the direct instruction to reflect how much time we had. By not taking the time constraint into account we were forced to rush through both lessons and failed to collect any insightful assessment data.  

The most discouraging part of the experience was that even though we understood and prepared two lesson plans that incorporate all the components of both direct instruction and inquiry, we did not effectively execute the most crucial elements such as diagnostic assessment, guided practice, checks for understanding,  and summative assessments. Important components that affected our ability to fully assess our students and deliver effective instruction. 

However, it was eyeopening to be able to implement a lesson to an entire group of students. Previous fieldwork experiences that were embedded in the course required you to work one on one with a student. That experience, although it allows you to implement a number of strategies that you learn, it did not provide me with the experience that I will endure as a future teacher. This program provided me with the opportunity to see how I collaborate with colleagues, work with a group of students and how I compose myself as a lead teacher. Definitely a learning experience I always remember. 

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What I Learned About Teaching Science
As a teacher, I am a facilitator of knowledge
Planning is crucial to success: 
"a plan provides a framework guide to the learning experience"
Time Management is key and essential
Be prepared
Repetition is fundamental 
"1,2,3 repeat after me"
Most importantly, effective/engaging lessons will assist with behavioral management

What I Learned About Students Learning Science
Students require engaging activities
Repetition is key to learning
Students respond to the energy you demonstrate 
Students learn when work is purposeful and meaningful

What I Learned About Myself Teaching Science, Teaching in General and Collaboration
In the classroom, the actual lesson may not unfold exactly as you planned
"Sometimes the best laid plans often go awry"
Mastery of science concepts will take time
Use resources and technologies to support and supplement instruction
Reaching every learner's needs can be a challenge
Information overload is a real
Not every student learns the same way

Teaching Different Types of Lessons
Direct Instruction is designed to be less interactive and more linear. 
The inquiry lesson plan helps establish a learning environment that requires students to enthusiastically reflect on their knowledge gained from direct instruction.
Inquiry lessons are designed to make students the source of the answers. 
Direct Instruction is quick and simple
Inquiry guides students through higher-order thinking skills
Inquiry (5-E model) provides a supportive framework for teachers

Overall I learned that I want to:

Inspire students to love learning