CFE Reflection Week Three – Myrna Ordona

For Kerri Wallin

The final week of this community field experience had me realize how much I cherish having rapport with students. Because we started the experience midway of the students’ sewing classes, we did not have a chance to really get to know the students. I remember how a few of the students were a little reluctant in asking myself and fellow TC for help with their projects; they were unsure I guess if we even knew how to help them. After a couple of days into the CFE, we became very familiar with the projects and I think the students were surprised at how much background knowledge we had to help them out. I like to memorize names as soon as possible, but with the daily changeover of students, it was a challenge. I found myself making “small talk” with some of the students while helping them one on one. By the end of this final week, I felt more comfortable and familiar with the students, but I still felt a lack of rapport. Of course, the three weeks went by quickly and our position at the CFE was less prominent compared to our 10-week practicum. The last week of our CFE was also the last week of sewing classes for the students; the main instructor received many hugs and thank yous as the students took their finished projects home. This made me think back to the long practicum and reminisce on the amazing relationships and connections I’ve made with the students and staff; how heartfelt and emotional the goodbyes were to everyone. I believe having rapport with your students is the foundation in teaching; a connection leads to motivation, and then the possibilities are endless.

I was also quite pleased to take on more of a solo leadership role in the CFE by acting as a “substitute” instructor for a small class of 4 beginner students. I had offered to take on the 4 students as the usual instructor was away on vacation. Because I was familiar with the project and the steps, I had the confidence to take the students under my wing. These students were the youngest of all, so I was used to their “enthusiasm” and their constant need for help. In the end, I had a lovely time with all 4 of them, and I really appreciated the small group setting. It was easier to build rapport and by the end of their class, I knew their names and had an opportunity to chat and assist with all of them. What I also realized was that this particular experience was not so much “stand and deliver” teaching, but more one to one teaching. I guess I am so used to teaching as a formal lesson to a whole group. I am grateful for the community field experience as it really did show how education and learning occurs in many different forms and settings.