SE 591 1 Observation and Reflection Kathleen Samulski

Reflection
On Tuesday, July 24 I spent 2 hours observing an ASD teacher, Paul Nelson for 2 hours. The orienteering and archery lesson took place at the Howell Nature Preserve, in Howell, Michigan. As a part of the 5-day overnight cap, this was located in a wilderness setting. The students were high school students with ASD, ranging from 16-18 years old. The lesson began with a hike, and Mr. Nelson pointed out the difference between paces and steps. We then arrived at the picnic area. The Howell staff passed out compasses. Mr. Nelson described the proper way to use a compass. The students engaged in a scavenger hunt-like activity. The directions used paces and the direction (measured in degrees) to direct us to the next clue. The purpose was to teach students proper compass use. Not only did Mr. Nelson guide the lesson, but also our Howell Nature Preserve Staff member provided an excellent resource of information. This was an authentic learning experience. Compass skills seemed well suited for the students with ASD. This lesson was engaging and interactive. The brainteasers at the end of each clue were too abstract for many of the students. I would like to see this lesson modified with the jokes/clues more suited for a literal mind. After the orienteering lesson, the students hiked to the archery setting. The Howell staff member demonstrated the correct way to shoot a bow and an arrow. The students were then given the opportunity to shoot 3 times. There were as many stations as students. The students who were waiting were simply watching. Many of them seemed boredone even fell asleep on a bench! I would have liked there to be an engaging activity for the waiters as well as the doers. The lesson addressed many of the competencies. Competency 2, the implementation or appropriate, effective instruction for students with ASD was implemented. So was competency 6, effective behavior management.