As the classroom aid intern at the Ocean Tides School, Narragansett Campus, I was given the fantastic opportunity to be in a surrounding where I was able to enhance skills that I have developed over the years, as well as learn new skills that will certainly help me in my future career oriented endeavors.
Having the position of a classroom aid at a school that has a good majority of the student population that, for whatever reason, has negative thoughts toward education, the topic of communication interested me. My goal for this objective was to learn different ways of communicating with the students to help them view school and learning in a different way. To carry out this objective, I researched different types of communication styles and applied them while interacting with the students. In investigating the topic, I found that there are many different types and styles of communication. In working with the students, I found that not one type of communication can be generalized and the communication style of the recipient must be taken into consideration.
In being a part of the classroom everyday and helping teachers with the instruction of the students, I realized that leadership is an important element involved. Therefore, my second objective had to do with the further development of my leadership skills. I achieved this objective by researching leadership, observing the teachers and talking with them about it, and eventually teaching a class. From this opportunity, I discovered that leadership, especially in the classroom, involves more than keeping someone’s attention. There are many different aspects that are involved, including, conflict prevention and resolution and reinforcement, among other things.
Being a psychology major interested in counseling and being surrounded by individuals who are at risk, I was naturally curious as to how I can be of assistance. This led to the development of my third objective, to experience student interview and evaluation sessions. To accomplish this objective, I got to know the students enough so that they felt comfortable with me, talked with the consultant for Ocean Tides, and sat in on the interviews. I learned a solid interview technique and how to write a concise evaluation report detailing the important facts.
Another part of my “psychology major self” was evident in my last objective which was to mentor the students. Though it may be an unrealistic wish, I would like nothing more than to see all of the students succeed. In order to try to facilitate that, I talked with students about goals for the future and realistic ways to attain those goals. I also taught a class on character education. From this opportunity, I learned that not everyone thinks ahead to the future. Some people live one day at a time and some people do not give much thought about their choices and where their decisions will lead them. I also learned that there are people who like to think ahead and are making a conscious effort to try and better themselves so that they can be successful.
Upon the completion of the aforementioned objectives, I’ve learned a tremendous amount. The communication techniques, leadership skills, interview methods and evaluation writing procedure, and lastly, the mentoring qualities that I have developed over this past semester are all important features that a counselor or social worker must be educated about. This placement has forced me to step out of my comfort zone and work hands-on to engage myself and expand my knowledge. This experience has truly benefited me. It has allowed me to recognize that the line of work that I’m looking to get into is the right discipline for me.
