Eduation 1 Journal Writing
Fall 2010
Guidelines for Journal Entries
What is a good journal entry?
1. It is about your own impressions from anecdotal records of interactions between
teachers, children, and other school personnel while being placed as an intern at
a school site.
2. Good journal entries are sometimes about your own impressions and questions regarding
what you read or discuss with your classmates. This should include experiences and
personal connections made during this time.
3. A good journal entry is your own reflection on how you feel. Be sure to date your
entries. Write the questions before you answer them. Each journal writing is worth
5 points.
Please write out the question and then the answer. Make sure I can read your writing. Thank you.
Due September 29th
1. Why am I taking this course?
2. My goals for this course are:
3. One thing I look forward to as I enter the elementary classroom is:
4. What am I nervous about in meeting my new mentor teacher?
5. What do I need to do to be successful in this class?
Due October 6th
1. What is an effective teacher?
2. What have you learned about the "No Child Left Behind Act"? Has it work? Why or why not? Be honest about how you feel about this. Ask some teachers for their feedback.
Due October 13th
1. What are you looking for when you observe your teacher for the first time in the classroom?
2. What instructional strategies were used during the lesson?
3. How did the children respond to the lessons?
Due October 20th
1. Sketch the classroom and how students are seated.
2. Note the number of students responding to the lesson and those that are not. Why do you think this is happening?
3. How does the teacher engage the entire class in a learning situation? Does she walk around? Does she interact with them? Explain further.
Due October 27th
What Multiple Intelligences do you see being implemented in the classroom you are working in? Chose one lesson and elaborate on it recording how the children have been engaged in those intelligences. Be specific.
Due November 10th note I skipped the 3rd as I will be in Milwaukee for a Social Justice Conference.
How would you assess your part of the presentation given during the midterm? Did you
work as a team or did someone dominate the group work? Be honest. (Nov. 3rd) 5pts.
What activities have you been engaged in during your time in the classroom. ( Nov.10th)
(5pts)
Due November 17th
What was the best lesson you saw presented in the elementary classroom you are assisting in ? Describe the lesson and then write how could you have improved upon it. Be specific.
Due November 24th
1. Who are the students in the classroom I am working in? Is there diversity represented?
2. How does the teacher give directions for a lesson? Are they clear? How long does it take to give them? Are they verbal or written?
3. Where is the teacher when these directions are given? Did she/he allow for questions after the directions were given?
4. What can you do in the future to avoid potential problems related to poor directions?
5. Do children with special needs get extra help?
Due December 8th
1. What was the best experience you encountered in the classroom? What was the worse or funniest thing that happened to you while working with the children? Be honest.
2. How are you going to thank your mentor teacher for all the time and effort he/she spent in helping you this past quarter?