SPECIAL EDUCATION FIELD EXPERIENCE REFLECTION by Mrs. Kerwynn Walker https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn Question and answers regarding a college student's experience observing in various special education settings. en-us 2017-10-20 00:04:58 UTC 2024-06-05 09:05:55 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padletuploads.blob.core.windows.net/prod/80264060/cdf38ae2d21ee13c036196e76c1eb262/Backback.png Did any of the teachers use technology as a strategy to help special need learners and how effective were the strategies? kerwynnwalker https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198903848 All of the students and teachers had a laptop computer and were connected into google classroom.  The teachers used a variety of programs such as Kahoots, Quizlet, Prezi Presentations, Youtube videos, Dance Videos, Share Jumpers for online sharing of information, google docs for test taking, mic's to allow everyone to hear, and Smartboards or overhead projectors.  These strategies were very effective for keeping students engaged in the lessons.  For example the You-Tube videos allowed the students to learn information by seeing rather than just reading.  Along with that the dance videos allowed the students a chance to get up and move which allows students with excess energy to be able to settle back down and study again.  Allowing the students to create their own games or Prezi presentations allowed some of the Gifted Learners to be able to explore the subject area more in depth and allowed them to stay excited about what the class was learning.]]> 2017-10-20 00:04:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198903848 What was the most interesting teaching strategy you observed in the classroom and how effective were the teaching strategies? kerwynnwalker https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198903849 Two of the teachers had a variety of seating styles that the students could choose from.  These seating styles ranged from giant workout balls, stabilizing disks, crates on the floor, standing area, cushion office chairs with or without backs, stools, bean bags on the floor and the typical chairs.  One teacher let them change seats everyday unless they were abusing the privilege. The other teacher had them ask if they could change to a different seating area and that was on the basis if there was an empty seat. According to studies, allowing a child to have choices in their learning environment increases their ability to learn.  From what I observed, this was a positive environment for the students and helped them to pay attention in the class.  ]]> 2017-10-20 00:04:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198903849 What teaching strategies did the teachers use and how were they effective? kerwynnwalker https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198903850 The teachers used a variety of teaching strategies for special need learners. These included adapted worksheets with page numbers to assist slow readers in finding answers, separating students who had ADHD to help them stay focused on their work, placing schedules on the walls and using incentives at the end of class to encourage students to complete work. The students who needed assistance with reading had a para take them to another room to read the test aloud while some of the students who had ADHD were allowed to get a cardboard tri-fold barrier to assist them in staying focused in order to take the test.]]> 2017-10-20 00:04:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198903850 What was the related educational or learning setting you observed in? What type of special need learners did you observe or work with? kerwynnwalker https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198903851
 I observed in four 6th grade classrooms.  The classrooms were regular classrooms with special need learners integrated into them with additional help from paraprofessionals (paras).  The types of special need learners that were in the classroom were students with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD),  Autism, Gifted Learners, Learning Disabilities, and Emotional Disorders.
]]> 2017-10-20 00:04:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198903851 What are your thoughts and ideas about teaching in a classroom that includes special needs learners? kerwynnwalker https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198912128 From what I observed, there are some great ideas from seating choices to utilizing technology that can make an excellent learning environment for a majority of the students. A first year teacher may find it challenging to complete great lessons plans on a daily basis that would effectively help all students. However, if the teacher was able to teach the same classes the next year, the lessons could continually improve and become incredibly each year after the first one. At the same time, I recognize that there are some limitations to what a teacher can do to insure a great learning for all students even with the additional help of para's being in the room. For example, if there is a child who is disruptive to the class on a regular basis, then it may be better for that child to receive instruction in a resource room until he is able to participate in a classroom in a calm manner. ]]> 2017-10-20 01:05:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198912128 Did you have any previous experience working with special need learners before taking part in the Special Education Field Experience project and if so what were the disabilities and what types of strategies were used to help the learners? kerwynnwalker https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198914530 I have experience with special needs learners ranging from Pre-school to Seniors in High School.  Their disabilities ranged from Hearing Impairments, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabled, Intellectually Delayed, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and Down Syndrome.  We used a variety of techniques to help each child be successful. The techniques ranged from high risers to make tables tall enough to accommodate students in wheelchairs, communication devices, timers to allow for adjustment for transitioning, schedules posted, training to recognize what may be triggers that could affect how a child might respond to a situation and calming techniques for when a child is upset.]]> 2017-10-20 01:18:04 UTC https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198914530 Below is the picture of the back side of the Butler Letter Field Experience form that was signed. kerwynnwalker https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198925514 2017-10-20 02:57:29 UTC https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198925514 Below is the picture of the front side of the Butler Field Experience form that was signed. kerwynnwalker https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198926133 2017-10-20 03:04:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kerwynnwalker/ks2pf0ryl5bn/wish/198926133