Information for Field Experience Participants

Level 2 Syllabus

Participant_Log

Level 2 Final Rubric

Level 2 Work Sample

Welcome! In order to help you get acquainted with classroom procedures and philosophies please take the opportunity to read the following information. Know that I am excited for your time with us, want you to feel comfortable, and want you to make the most out of this experience.

First day details

• Bring notebook and pencil to record your thoughts and questions.
• Remember to wear your name tag.
• The front doors of the building face Campus Street. You may enter through these doors and go to the right. The math office is at the end of the first long hallway to your left.
• Feel free to hang up your coat or put any personal belongings in the closet in the math office (room 155).
• A sign in sheet is in a folder titled with your name on my desk.
• The bathroom is on the first floor next to Room 153.
• Please find any open spot near the back of the room (there is no "teachers desk" in this classroom) to sit.

Classroom Practices and Philosophies

• Mistakes are essential in learning mathematics. Listening to what students know and their points of confusion help facilitate better understanding.
• Students need to experience mathematics. Students need to wrestle with ideas, conjectures, and questions to make deeper connections.
• Independent practice (homework) is an ok place to practice without penalty. Students are either given credit for completing the assignment (if they have a high proportion of accuracy) or they are asked to revise their work.
• Test corrections are expected for most tests. A test is a chance to continue learning. Students should identify their errors and show the correct solution.
• Projects offer an alternative to tests for students to demonstrate understanding and/or deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and connections.
• Discourse between students and teacher-student helps build understanding of mathematics. Talking and writing about math can lead to a fuller understanding.
• Discipline policies (classroom management) is fair but not equal. Different students have different needs and different responses.
• Proactive classroom management such as building relationships, creating a caring, open environment, and respecting differences is essential for learning.

First day opportunities and expectations

• Be ready to introduce yourself and start learning student names. I will give you a chance to say a couple words about yourself during the first class period you join us. The PLS students will introduce themselves as well.
• As soon as you feel comfortable, get up and move about the room. Observe what students are saying and writing. Observe student-student interactions and student-teacher interactions.
• If the chance arises, answer student questions.
• Note questions that you have for me and ask either in person or via email.
• Explore this website for assignment information for your class and class syllabus.

Typical Classroom Procedures

• Students usually have a warm-up problem when they enter the classroom. This problem is usually a review of a skill recently learned or a preview for an upcoming concept. Students are expected to try them independently first, refer to their notes, and then ask if they are stuck. Listen for what the student knows and build the response from there.
• Homework is handed in to the black bin near the front of the classroom by the door. 8th grade uses the top bin and 10th grade uses the second bin. The third bin is extra handouts. If someone needs an extra copy, this is the first place to look.
• There are folders in the black bins labeled "Return work for Period __". You can always hand back papers in these folders. (Thanks in advance if you do so!)