Taylor Blair

Disposition Reflection 2
3 November 2014
Robinson Elementary was a great experience working with students within a resource
room setting. I was able to work with students within a general education setting with
cooperating teachers as well as work with small groups of students in the resource room. During
this placement I was able to spend more time reviewing IEPs and planning lessons that were
detailed to the specific students IEP. I saw the benefits of addressing students IEPs in detail
before planning each lesson, because I felt more confident in understanding how a student learns
and the specific needs of each student. Collaborating with cooperating teachers was another way
I was able to build my confidence in learning what is best for the students when planning a
specific lesson, activity, or even before an IEP meeting. When students are in an inclusion
setting, it is so important to be able to observe the special needs students as well as meet with the
cooperating teacher to understand the students behavior and academic achievement on a regular
basis. Through collaborating with cooperating teachers I was able to learn more about the
benefits of working together both for the teachers and the students. The teachers are able to
receive support and evidence of student achievement, while the students are receiving more
specific instruction according to their individual needs. These needs can then be addressed both
in the general education classroom and the special education classroom. During this placement I
learned that I need to practice my lessons more frequently before teaching them to the students.
The more prepared I am the more smoothly the lesson goes. I am starting to feel more
comfortable and confident in my teaching, but also I recognize the importance of being well
prepared and to anticipate all kinds of scenarios and outcomes. As I would plan and practice

teaching a lesson I would assume the students would react one way and then the students would
actually react completely different. Preparing a lesson for students with special needs involves
anticipating a variety of scenarios and allowing room for flexibility in the lesson. During this
placement I found that the shorter more direct lessons were much more beneficial to the students.
These students mainly had difficulties with paying attention, and I learned quickly that the key to
a successful lesson in keeping their attention and not to drag on. I was able to work cooperatively
with my teacher, learning from her by discussing techniques and suggestions. I was able to
connect with my students and establish a sense of authority among the students.