Work It Out Observation

My twenty hours of observing the daily routine for approximately two weeks at Centennial Park School altered my initial perceptions and assumptions of how students with special education needs are educated in the schooling system. Centennial Park School was like a sanctuary to the students as differences were accepted and students felt that they could voice their opinions during daily discussion sessions. The school was similar to a short term ‘shelter’ where students were provided with intensive personalized programs and support in order to transition back to mainstream schools. Because I had never been in contact with people with special education needs before, I was slightly apprehensive on the first day and it was easily reflected in my …show more content…
When undesired behaviour takes place, the teacher initially provides several warnings or firm cautions. After that, the student is given some time out of the classroom in order for him/her to calm down and refocus. By providing a temporary escape route for the student to remove themselves from a situation both physically and emotionally the student does not feel forced to participate in a situation where they feel uncomfortable and avoids the misbehavior from escalating. If all above strategies failed, the teacher writes a Work It Out Plan and the student is sent to the Principal’s office. Through my observations, I believe the Work It Out Plan is not as effective as many of the students have received many and they do not mind getting another one. Occasionally, the teacher may need to move some students so the class can operate smoothly. In some classrooms, there is not minimal behaviour/self-management support as students are very cooperative. Sometimes, one of the students forgets and requires the teacher to remind them, i.e. “ I don’t like language like that.” From the observations, it is important to create a proactive rather than reactive response towards behaviour management. The teacher occasionally points out that a student or a group of students that have exhibited appropriate behaviour, causing other students to follow. However, this did …show more content…
14). This is later reinforced that “a positive attitude towards students is the most crucial component in becoming an inclusive teacher” (p. 114). Students can easily pick up on the negative attitude of the teacher and this may affect their learning. For instance, if a student finds that the teacher does not believe that he/she can complete a task or achieve high marks, they are more likely to give up or avoid completing the task to avoid failure. As a teacher, it is important to believe in the students and aspire them to do their best in order to achieve. A teacher should celebrate any small achievements and never blame the student for failing (Pearce, Gray, & Campbell-Evans, 2009). Instead, at the end of the lesson, the teacher should evaluate how the lesson went and consider alternative teaching methods in order to address the topic covered in the