Field Observation 3

This week I went and observed seventh and eighth grade students at lunch. There were roughly 200 students in the lunchroom when I was there. The first thing that I found interesting was that before students got in line to get their food they all went and claimed a seat at a table. I later found out that each group sits in the same area of the cafeteria everyday but the seats at the table change up. Then the students who were buying lunch went with friends to get in line to get food. I noticed that no student liked to be left alone at any point during the lunch period. I also noticed that students did not venture to other tables. Some students sat at tables with both boys and girls while other sat in groups of the same sex. After they had finished lunch some students got out notes or homework that they frantically finished. I could tell that the homework they were working on was most likely due in the class after lunch.

What I began to put together was that when Brighton said “most middle school students are more concerned with their social status than they are with their academic standing,” (Brighton 2007) he hit the nail on the head. Obviously, if they were more worried about their school work it would have been finished the night before when it was assigned. Instead, they would rather socialize with their friends during lunch and then at the last minute cram in homework and read over their notes. I also think that if spending time with friends is so important, Brighton was also correct when he wrote about student’s friends having an effect on what they believe. It was obvious sitting by certain people was important so I’m sure having common beliefs with these same people is important to these students as well.

I think it is vitally important for teachers to be aware of this strong need students have for interaction with their peers. It is important not only for social reasons but for their intellectual development as well. These students require this type of interaction for their development because for the first time they are beginning to form their own opinions instead of strictly adopting their parent’s beliefs. This is a major part in their journey to adulthood.