Mcdaniel Learning Center Observation: Reflection 6

Mcdaniel Learning Center Observation

When I first was told that I would be going to McDanield school, I had no idea where it was and what level of education the school was teaching. As I asked more questions about it, it was clear that this school was for students who have special needs. I was then automatically nervous about this. The reason behind that,is because I’ve had many bad experiences with students with special needs at my current high school. As i thought about it, I never intended to discriminate towards anybody. After further reflection, I then made myself excited to go and observe around different kinds of students and different education levels.

When I first arrived at the location of the school, it was all brick on the outside. After walking inside, and looking around, the setting had very dim lighting; as if it were a prison and this gave a very depressing atmosphere. When looking at the walls, there were lots of colorings of pictures and uplifting posters. I thought the school looked very much like an elementary school. When finally seeing some students, you could automatically tell that they had some kind of syndrome or problem. By their facial features, the way they walked, and responded could give you a hint that something is internally wrong with them.

My group and I went to the preschool class first to observe. While going to the classroom, I looked through the other classroom windows. While looking, I saw that the students sat at a semi-circle table; the teacher would always sit on the opposite side. There were several short books scattered on shelves, colorful carpets, toys and games.

After we got to the classroom assigned first, we all met the teacher named Mrs. T. She was very kind and welcoming; Mrs. T. immediately introduced us to all the students. There were about six students present in the classroom, and most of them were females. They were all at different stations in the classroom doing different things. The majority of the  students were caucasian while only one girl was hispanic. As I observed the classroom, I saw that the ceiling lights had pillow cases over the lights. Seeing that was very strange to me, until I remembered the different learning techniques that were brought to my attention. I knew that the pillow case being over the lights, was to help the students be in a more calm and environment, and also be able to think straight and relax, rather than having bright lights fry their brains and straining their eyes. I also recognized that the classroom strategy “accentuate the positive” played a big part in all of the the classrooms. Even if the student did something small, the caregiver made it clear to the student that the student’s progress has been recognized and it’s a good thing.

In the classroom, I saw that the teacher was slowly discipling them and getting them in the routine to follow directions and do things following procedures; instead of how they wanted to do it. For example, when a student wanted to change to another learning/fun station they were to go to the round table and look at the choices of stations that they had available. When the child made up their mind on what they wanted to do, they were to move it to the side directed by the teacher, say please, and be directed to the station. They were also disciplined: if a student was doing something that is not acceptable, he or she would go in time out for one minute and the teacher made sure to  inform the student why he or she was in time out. There were no rules posted on the walls; but the students couldn't read, so it wasn't really necessary.

In all the different classrooms, the students were very behind on their comprehension level. Teachers would have to tell a student to do something repeatedly and sometimes have to direct them on what to do. Through all the learning levels, the students were in common psychological stages.

According to Jean Piaget’s theory, the most common stages that the students were on were the Concrete Operational Stage and the Sensorimotor Stage. These stages are when the students are learning to interact with the environment and for some, even learning to have a conversation.

Overall, at the end of the day, I did very much enjoy this experience. Although, some of the moments were depressing and boring, I still have a more open mind, or different outlook on people with special needs. I can understand more about where they are coming from and how they develop differently.