Rafael Torres

Education 1301.200
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Dec 5th, 2017

Reflection Paper

I had the privilege to observe Mrs. Newsom's the classroom and had an amazing

experience. A bright senior government class in Sulphur Springs High School in Sulphur

Springs, Texas. I took this exercise as a chance to see if this was what I wanted as a career. It

didnt take long for me to realize that I had chosen the correct career. Walking into the school

brought back so many feelings and memories, although this time I was in a very

different position. The Atmosphere at Sulphur Springs High School was amazing.

The Entire observation exercise was a learning experience. From walking in into the

classroom and seeing how a classroom is ran from a unique perspective. The first things that I

noticed was how Mrs. Newsom treated every student the same and with profound respect. Mrs.

Newsom got her message of respect out to her student by calling every student by their last name

which I thought was unique and professional. The students responded to Mrs. Newsom with the

same respect she gave them which made it possible for the class to run smoothly.

In the way that Mrs. Newsom ran her class, she encouraged every student to have an

opinion and let them express it. On the second day of my observation the student discussed on

amendments they had written the week before. These amendments were what the students

thought the 28th amendment of United States constitution needed to be. Once the student had

turned in their amendment Mrs. Newsom separated the class into the senate and house of

representatives. Each class had 4 senators strategically chosen by Mrs. Newsom based on their

political views. She had the house of representatives vote on the house of speaker. The speaker
read all the amendment the student had written and debated on which one to pass on to the

Senate. Mrs. Newsom encouraged every student participated and asked questions to the author

of the amendment and let them express why they believe this amendment would make a fantastic

addition to the constitution. Once the house had selected 3 pieces of legislation got sent to the

senate. The senate then had to agree on one piece of legislation. Congress then followed to sign

the legislation and then the President of the class Mr. Torres. I enjoyed this exercise because of

the in-class discussion, but especially because of the thought that each student placed into the

assignment was marvelous. This not only promoted the students to let their concerned on the

issues striking the country be heard, but she also thought them the steps that would be taken for

such legislation to added to the constitution. This is a teaching strategy that I think has countless

success because it teaches the curriculum needed for the class but doesnt necessary require the

student to spend much time reading the textbook. Instead this allows the student stay active in

the class and learn while doing so.

When it comes to what I took in from Observing Mrs. Newsoms class the one that sticks

out the most and that I would most definitely use in my future classroom would be to encourage

students share their thoughts and opinions. Having great student/teacher relationship helps the

class flow well. A set schedule will also help with time management in class. Although I shortly

learned by observing that the classroom will have disruptions and time will have to be made up

to keep classes in the same schedule for the week. Many of these strategies may or may not work

for me but thats part of being a teacher. Only by putting them to the test I will find out if those

are suitable teaching techniques for me. Teaching is a learning experience of its own. Every day

discovering what are outstanding teaching techniques that will and will not work and adapting to

what does.