Field Experience Guidelines

The following guidelines will help you understand what to expect when you enter the classroom as an observer or an aide.

• Check in at the office EVERY TIME YOU VISIT THE SCHOOL. Many schools require visitors and guests to wear "visitor badges" or pins.
• If you are unable to keep your observation appointment NOTIFY THE TEACHER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
• Take a notebook to jot down comments to yourself during your observation. Then, arrange a time to meet with the teacher afterward and discuss your observations and questions.
• To ensure a positive learning environment for the students in the classroom, it is inappropriate to talk while the teacher is presenting a lesson.
• After you know what classroom and school you will be observing, contact the teacher AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Try to contact the teacher before or after school or during his/her planning period. The school's main office will know when the teacher's planning period is.
• Arrange a time for observation that is convenient for BOTH the teacher and you. It will take some juggling of schedules, but it will work. Learn both the school's and your clinical supervisor's daily schedule. Avoid scheduling observations during breaks, or starting an observation once the teacher has already begun teaching.
• Before your first observation or meeting with the teacher, do a "trial run" in which you determine how long it will take you to get there, or which bus you will need to use. Do not wait until the morning of your first visit to discover it takes 20 minutes instead of 10 to get there.
• Arrive at your school at least 10 minutes before your observation time to find parking, check in at the office, and locate the room. Parking may be a problem at some schools. Cars illegally parked in restricted areas will be towed at the owner's expense.
• Understand that you are a guest in the school. Your behavior should reflect this basic understanding. Therefore, dress appropriately. Your appearance should reflect a professional attitude. Do not wear hats, shorts, sunglasses, or clothing with inappropriate slogans. Do not chew gum. Dress and act as if you were the teacher.
• Notify your small group instructor or course instructor AS SOON AS POSSIBLE of any problems or scheduling complications. The sooner we know, the sooner we can help.
• Be willing to work! Do not hesitate to approach the teacher (courteously) with specific tasks you would like to do.
• Be prepared to briefly describe the course for which you are observing and the purpose and requirements of your visits.
• Courtesy demands that you thank the teacher you have observed as you leave the classroom. Keep in mind that the teacher is doing KU a great favor by opening up his/her classroom to students. At the conclusion of this semester, a thank you note to the teacher is a great gesture.