Expectations for Shippensburg University Students Observing
When university observers are involved in courses that require hours of classroom observations, the following expectations will be met.
Expectations for Participating in Projects/Activities Involving Elementary Students
When university students are involved in course-specific activities with GBLUES students, the following expectations will prevail in addition to the expectations for observers:
- The children’s welfare and education are the first priority.
- Before interacting with children or beginning any project with children, it is imperative that consent and permission be given by the school director and the classroom teacher.
- Do not bring food or prizes as rewards for student achievement and/or behavior. Specific verbal praise and your attention are the most effective rewards for young children.
- Teaching materials will be ready before the activity begins.
- Arrive on time.
- Use correct grammar and spelling.
- Treat children in a positive and caring manner. Protect the confidentiality of children and their families. Use pseudonyms in any written or oral report that results from your project.
A form is attached for your use if you wish to carry out course-related projects or research with University Elementary students. Written project descriptions must be received and approved one week before the anticipated start project start date.
Please note: The end of the semester coincides with a traditional increase in out-of-classroom activities: field trips, assemblies, parties, holiday traditions. Plan accordingly and do not try to cram all of your observations in at the end of the semester.
Guidelines for Independent Non-research Projects Involving University Elementary Students
Occasionally students wish to carry out projects at Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary that go beyond typical classroom activities. Shippensburg University undergraduate students who wish to conduct projects involving children at GBLUES must conform with procedures to protect the safety of project participants. Approval for all projects must be received from the school director, the sponsoring faculty member and the GBLUES teacher.