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Field Experience

Field Experience Manual 2007-2008

All certification programs include a field experience requirement, which includes at least 60 hours of classroom observation in an appropriate setting. Content, methodology and field experience are interwoven to provide a wide variety of experiences and opportunities for students. Field experience allows for increasing involvement as a student progresses through the program.
The required observation hours are completed in conjunction with education courses. All courses have an observation component through which students work to complete their 60-hour requirement. While each course includes unique opportunities, nearly all observations include a journal or similar project through which students report and reflect on their observations.

Field Experience Guidelines


Secondary Education Students	Elementary Ed.	Music Ed.	Non-Ed. Req.
A minimum of 30 hours of school observations must be completed in conjunction with Social Foundations (ED 209) and Educational Psychology (ED 201). These courses carry a requirement of 15 hours of observation for each course. Observation experiences should be divided between high school and a middle level school (either a middle school or a junior high).	A minimum of 15 hours of observation are required for each of the following courses: ED 331, ED 350, ED 201, and ED 209. In addition, students are required to teach a mini-lesson in math, science, and reading to children in a classroom setting.	A minimum of 15 hours of observation in each of the introductory education courses, ED 201 and ED 209 are required. Music certification students should check with their major department about further field requirements.	Students who are enrolled in education courses, but who are not seeking certification, must complete 15 hours of videotape observation for each course.

In addition, all students are required to document their classroom or videotape observations as outlined by their instructors.

Students who are pursuing teacher certification must submit documentation of classroom observations. Cards for this purpose are available in the Education Department Office and should be returned to that office with the signature of the supervising classroom teacher.

Classroom observations may take place in local schools or elsewhere (in schools near home). For information about appropriate schools for observation including alternative schools, please see your instructor or the Director of Field Experiences.

The primary purpose of classroom observations is to learn how to put teaching and learning theory into practice. Many different styles and techniques will be observed. It is not the purpose of the observer to judge the teacher or the teaching.

As part of this experience, the teacher may share privileged, sensitive and / or confidential information with you. The confidentiality of this information must be maintained. Although classroom discussion concerning your observations is encouraged, there should be no mention of any teacher's name, student's name, or school district's name.

As a Gettysburg College student, you are a guest in the school in which you observe. There are certain rules of etiquette and guidelines to follow.

1. Dress in a manner suitable for a working professional, not in a manner reflective of popular culture. This means no shorts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, hats, mini-skirts, or excessive make-up.

2. Contact the principal at least a week in advance. Be prepared to tell him or her the purpose of the observation and what you wish to observe, if specified by the instructor.

3. Be prompt and courteous upon arrival. Check in at the office first. It is your responsibility to be punctual and faithful to the program. If for some valid reason (illness) you are unable to be there at the scheduled time, you must call the school in advance and inform them of your situation. This absence must be made up at a later date.

4. Upon arrival at the classroom, introduce yourself and the follow the directions of the teacher. Be as unobtrusive as possible. Do not initiate conversation or ask questions during a lesson.

5. Observe correct language usage at al times. Eliminate slang when speaking to teachers and children. Act as a representative of Gettysburg College.

6. Upon completion of the observation, thank your host and leave quietly. It is always appropriate to follow-up with a thank-you note to the teacher.

Upon completion of the observation experience, the participating teacher will complete an evaluation of the student's participation.

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