SCHOOL PLACEMENT 1
Student: Kevin Bohan
Date: 24th November 2017
OBSERVATION
Scratch programme was on, They put the children into groups of two because there were
again today. Students had to
work on a computer in groups
of two. I sat beside two
students that were working
on a computer. In the group
that I was working beside, a
student did not share the
computer with the other
student, this caused an
argument between them. The
teacher did not notice the
dispute.
2016/2017
Class Observed: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th class
Topic: Working in Groups
CRITICAL REFLECTION ON THE OBSERVATION
only a certain amount of computers. The teacher put no more
than two in a group because it would be difficult for all
students to participate in the lesson. In my observation, one
student that I was sitting beside did not share the computer
with the other student in the group. This caused an argument
between the two children.Young children have long been
known to act selfishly. (Cowell, et al., 2015)
Therefore the child did not get an equal opportunity to learn.
The teacher did not notice the two students arguing, I was the
only person that knew about it, I was unsure what to do. I
did not resolve the issue, I was hoping that the teacher would
notice as she would be able to settle the problem. Eventually,
the other child was let use the computer. In retrospect, I
think I should have told the teacher. I felt that there should
have been a time limit on how long a child should have been
let use the computer to avoid these situations, so all children
would get a chance to use the computer. I think that putting
the children into groups is good. I believe working in groups
helps the childrens interpersonal and communication skills
as he/she interacts with other pupils and the children can also
help each other. Working in groups can enhance the
educational experience, by stimulating students to take
greater ownership of their scholarship, and build a
community of learning, by sharing knowledge with fellow
students. (Cumming, 2010)
SCHOOL PLACEMENT 1 2016/2017

Bibliography
Cowell, J. M., Samek, A., List, J. & Decety, J., 2015. The Curious
Relation between Theory of Mind and Sharing in Preschool Age
Children. PMC, p. 2.

Cumming, J., 2010. Student-initiated group management

strategies for more effective and enjoyable group work
experiences. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism
Education, 9(2), p. 1.