The field experience requirement for this course is 10 hours.
What is field experience? Field experience is your opportunity to observe and assist with prescribed activities in an educational setting. For this course, you can perform your fieldwork in any elementary classroom environment. Contact your faculty member for permission to observe a different grade level. Reach out to your faculty member if you have questions.
Who handles my field experience placement? The school placements for CBE sections are self-selected, and you will need to provide Proof of Placement via an email or other documentation from school personnel. If you are local, you may choose to apply to volunteer using the district's website.
How do I record my experience? Field experience is two parts. First, your field experience is logged via a signed log of hours and then submitted through Blackboard at the end of each course. Second, is through a reflection blog that you will develop and answer open ended question that promote a higher level of thinking.
Where do I write my blog? Create your blog using a blogging software you choose. Below are suggestions for free online blogging tools. Your blog must be viewable by your instructor in order to receive credit for the assignments.
Check Blackboard for additional details on the field experience requirement for this course.
Before you write your blog post:
§ Observe PE at different grade levels.
§ Note best practices with regard to healthful living concepts as well as issues pertaining to legal liability and equality.
Write your blog post:
As you create your blog, please reflect and respond to the following:
1. How is time used in PE during classes at different grade levels? How does this compare to research finding on PE?
2. How does the teacher ensure that all students are able to participate in the activities?
3. In what ways does the teacher address safety and proper movement during the activities?
4. How can you imagine connecting PE/Healthy Living skills, strategies, and concepts with the core curriculum for your grade level?
Prepare to write your blog post:
Observe recess at different grade levels. Be sure to observe in both primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5) grades.
As you add to your blog, reflect and respond to the following:
How is recess viewed at these varying grade levels – by teachers? By students? You may respond to this by observing (making inferences), or by asking students and teachers directly, or both.
What specific behaviors or comments can you provide to illustrate teachers’ attitudes? Students’ attitudes?
What factors seem to determine who participates in recess or the level of activity during recess?
What can teachers do to enhance recess?
Before you write your blog post complete your observation:
Observe multiple elementary school classrooms during a regular school day. Note how healthful living concepts are incorporated into teachers’ everyday routines.
Write your blog post:
§ In what ways did you observe healthful living concepts incorporated into the daily routine?
§ How else might concepts such as movement, nutrition, and personal safety become a naturally occurring part of the curriculum?
After you perform your fieldwork:
§ Attach a copy of your signed Field Experience Log (15 hours).