PSY 321 Students must complete field observations for their course assignments. This is usually 16 hours.  However, if a student takes SPED 335/6/7 during the same semester, there are only 24 total hours required for both classes.

The Office of Field Experiences makes placements in the Western North Carolina region from a pool of volunteer teachers at partner schools.  These usually are completed in a series of 2-4 hour long observation blocks. 

The observations must be completed during the semester alongside course assignments.  Students are responsible for ensuring that observations are completed in time to meet assignment and other deadlines.  Students are responsible for transportation to and from the observation location.  In addition, the College of Education and Allied Professions recommends that students carry liability insurance (PDF).

Host Teacher Evaluations of Students

Host teachers will be asked to evaluate each student at the end of the observation. The results will be available to both course professors and advisers. Negative evaluations or improper behavior can result in reduced grade, removal from the observation placement or, in extreme cases, removal from the education program. Professional behavior is expected at all times.

Deadlines and Forms:

Students are responsible for completing their required hours in a timely manner to meet deadlines for the Office of Field Experiences and course assignments.  If a student must miss an observation due to illness, emergency, or school closure the student is expected to notify the host teacher ahead of time and make up the missed time as soon as possible.

1st week of classes:

• Office of Field Experience will begin accepting applications (PDF) and contracts (PDF) from Self-Placed students (Employed at school or in Block or Internship).  The application and completed contract must be submitted simultaneously. 
• Office of Field Experiences staff will visit PSY 321 classes to provide information about the observation experience and make appointments with students  Applications  (PDF) will be provided at this time.  Students missing this class should call 828-227-7314 to make an appointment.

2nd week of classes: 

• Appointments for students requesting a placement from the Office of Field Experiences. 
• Students should also submit an Alternative Assignment Form (PDF) if applicable.  This optional form is used to request up to eight hours of observation activities outside the assigned classroom.

3rd week of classes:

• Students should begin observations.  Important - call teacher ahead of time to confirm visitation schedule, ask for directions, and any other school specific information.

4th Friday of classes

• Deadline to submit Application (PDF) and obtain a placement.  No placements will be made after this date.

Last Friday of September/February

• Contracts (PDF) due. 

Two weeks from end of Classes - Friday (Or Before! The earlier the better.)

• Evaluation of Host Teacher by Student- Complete via TaskStream.
• Timesheet (PDF) should be signed by Cooperating Teacher at each visit. Paper form submission to Killian 228 (Fax 828-227-7610). Time sheets are needed for 16 hours of observation per class. This includes any pre-approved alternative assignments. The Office of Field Experiences cannot accept these late. No exceptions.
• The following Monday professors will be advised which students have not completed their Field Experience Requirement. At that point, students with missing hours or paperwork will need to appeal to the Associate Dean to receive course credit.