Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Field Experience Session?

On Field Experience Days, you will observe teaching in an authentic setting and work with 4 to 6 children hour in grades PK-6 on prepared activities. All Field Experience Sessions are 4-5 hours each. Sessions are held in the AM and/or PM depending on the field experience site only. You may choose from a morning session or an afternoon session. When you arrive at the school site, you will first gather materials and then receive your room assignments. You can attend both a morning session and an afternoon session in the same day if it is available.

If I've done the Field Experience before, do I still have to do it?

Yes, if you are currently enrolled in CUIN 3201, 3317, 4318 you must participate in the Field Experience to earn class points.  

What sessions do I sign up for?

Students enrolled in CUIN 3201 should sign up for sessions labeled "PK".
Students enrolled in CUIN 3317 should sign up for sessions labeled "EE".
Students enrolled in CUIN 4318 should sign up for sessions labeled "MS".

What if I'm already teaching in a school setting?

Please read information regarding the Alternative Field Experiences. Note: Because of the specialized nature of the QUEST Field Experiences, not all requests for alternative Field Experiences based on working in a school setting are granted full credit.

How many field experience sessions do I attend?

Each student is responsible for attending 4 Field Experience sessions in schools. Each of the sessions is worth 5 points towards your Field Experience grade.

How long is each Field Experience sessions?

Each school session is 4-5 hours in length (approximately 3-4 hours on campus and 1 hour extended reflection time).

Do I need to go to a Lesson 1, a Lesson 2, and a Lesson 3? 

You may go to any session. The number 1 tells us that is the first time for that category. Register for sessions that fit your schedule. You can go to an AM session and a PM session at the same school on the same day if it is in your category.

What time do the Field Experience sessions begin?

Times vary by location, see your class page for details relevant to YOUR school. Plan enough time to park at the site because parking is often an issue. Also, arrive early enough to gather your materials for the day. If you are late you may loose points or be sent home without the opportunity to make the session up.

Where is the Field Experience?

Sites vary by class, see your class page for details.

Do I have to bring materials to use?

You are responsible for bringing yourself a copy of the activity plans as well as your QUEST 1 name badge. You do NOT need to bring any materials with you that are listed on the activity plans; all materials for the activities will be provided. Failure to bring a copy of the activity plans and/or name badge will be recorded and will be counted negatively against your professional attributes.

What do I teach during the Field Experience days?

For Field Experience days, you are responsible for reading the activity plans provided on the website and for preparing to teach them when you arrive at the school. Facilitators will answer any questions you may have about the lessons. Activity Plans will be available at least one week before each scheduled Field Experience day.

What do I wear?

Please refer to the dress code information page. A student's failure to dress appropriately will result in that student being sent home without points or the ability to reschedule the session.

What if I can't download the activity plans?

Viewing the Activity plans are the responsibility of each Field Experience participant. Prepare early for your Field Experiences by downloading all Activity Plans 3 days BEFORE your scheduled Field Experience date. If you have difficulty downloading from home, you may use the CITE lab located on the 3rd floor of Farish Hall. If further difficulties arise, you may email us at  QUEST1field@uh.edu, however the QUEST staff will understand an email the night before stating you are having difficulty to mean that you have not adequately prepared. Please do not ask the school staff at the field experience to copy the plans for you. 

What if I miss a Field Experience?

You are important to this project and if you don’t show up, substitutes will need to be used. Attendance and punctuallity at Field Experiences are expected. If you must be absent, you will send an email with your excuse to QUEST1field@uh.edu BEFORE the absence. If your absence is considered "excused," another date will need to be assigned. If your absence is not excused, you will lose points per missed session and not be able to make up the session. In order for field experiences to run smoothly, full participation is needed from everyone registered in the session. We depend on your professionalism to help teach the sessions by attending the session you have registered for. Any student who has 2 unexcused absences will have their entire schedule deleted to make room for the students who will attend.

What if I'm late?

If you arrive late either for a Field Experience day, one point will be deducted from the day's points. If you are more that 15 minutes late, you will be turned away and not receive credit for that day.

How are professional attributes used during the field experience?

The field experience is considered a professional experience, therefore you are expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner. You are evaluated against the professional attributes during your session. All interactions with QUEST 1 facilitators, school personnel, fellow UH students, Pre-K, elementary, and middle school students are considered during this evaluation. Please familiarize yourself with the professional attributes before attending a school session.

Where do I park?

Parking is an issue at many of our schools. Please refer to the parking instructions for each site and give yourself plenty of time to find a parking place and still get to the appropriate room on time. Parking problems do not excuse you from being counted late.

Is there place to find out up-to-date information regarding changes or announcements?

There is an announcement area on the homepage of this website which will contain any changes and information students need. Please visit this page often.

What is a name badge?

All students are required to make a UH name badge which includes their photo and bring this name badge EACH session. Failure to bring your name badge will be recorded and will be counted negatively against your professional attributes. Instructions to create a name badge are found by visiting the Name Badge page.

What if I have further QUESTions?

If you have a QUESTion for which the answer can not be found on this website, please email QUEST1field@uh.edu.