As a researcher, the most fun I have is in doing classroom observations. Why? Because during observations we often interact with students while they are learning, which to me, is the best aspect of education. Sure, I love talking to teachers and I love listening to everyone, but, let’s face it, the students are why we are all here. Usually we go into classrooms at first hoping to stay hidden and just watch the lesson unfold in front of us. We want to observe like a fly on the wall; however, sometimes classrooms are full of group work and student discussions so we can freely wander and watch the students work. Students are curious about us, especially the young ones, and this leads to some fantastic conversations. The following is an example of an exchange with one curious student:
Student: Who are you?
Me: My name is Casey.
Student: What are you doing here?
Me: We’re just watching you learn. What are you doing?
Student: (Explains what they’re doing and why. Pauses.) So, you’re a spy?
This interaction serves two purposes. One, we satisfy their basic curiosity. Two, we also learn if the lesson is hitting on the Knowledge component of the STAR Protocol. This is one part of the STAR Protocol where interacting with students is the most helpful because you can see if the students really understand what they are doing and why. A lesson will be good when the purpose and objectives are clear; the lesson will be easy to understand and students will know how to meet the teacher’s expectations. A great lesson will have a clear purpose and be relevant to the students (see The Real-Deal: Relevancy and Application in the Classroom for a discussion on this). Many times it only takes one question or check-in from the teacher to get students thinking about why they are doing what they are doing.
So, all you teachers out there, please do not apologize for your room being “chaotic” because it gives us the unique opportunity to have interactions with the students. We love it!
What strategies do you use to help students understand the purpose of a lesson?
So, all you teachers out there, please do not apologize for your room being “chaotic” because it gives us the unique opportunity to have interactions with the students. We love it!
What strategies do you use to help students understand the purpose of a lesson?
Casey Howard, B.A. Research Assistant
Casey holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Washington. She has conducted research at the Pike Market Senior Center, where she studied the relationship between the Pike Place Market and the Senior Center. Her favorite part of research is meeting new people and listening to their interesting stories. A lifelong resident of the Northwest, she enjoys hiking, playing softball, and playing the violin. Casey is excited to use her passion for research in education.
(Updated 07/29/2013)
