Primary/Junior School Research Assignment
Sept. 16, 1998

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When? Do this work at your placement school next Wed., Sept. 23. Spend at least 3 hours at the school. Bring the work to class Wed., Sept. 30.
What?
  • Sketch the floor plan of your placement classroom. Indicate with labels the furniture, windows, and any other relevant information.
  • Track the class's activities. Develop an accurate timetable for half the day. Note what actually happened and when it happened, not what was on the teacher's official timetable.
  • Observe the routines of the class. Note what has remained the same about them since your last visit. Note, too, what has changed . Are there any new routines? Have some been discarded?
  • Observe a student in the class. Record several specific verbal or visual examples of this student's social, emotional and cognitive behaviour. You will probably have to provide a brief about the context for each behaviour. Also note the child's age.
Why? Think about what you've seen. What is the teacher doing what seems to be developmentally appropriate? Try to list 5 specific practices. You might think of things that have to do with routine, class design, and timetables.
How? You will not have to submit a polished copy of your findings. Just provide some clear evidence on paper that you tried to do all parts of this assignment. Be prepared to share what you learned when we next meet in class
What else? In the meantime:
  1. Work on your display. See me by Friday if you need to make a standard supply order.
  2. Collect effective ideas/examples at school - ones that fit with your display topic.
  3. Read the syllabus. You'll see many assignments that you can begin to work on now. The time you have in the school is like gold.

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