Many introductory education courses offer fieldwork at a school site as part of the class requirements. By participating in hands-on experiences in the field, education students may have opportunities to observe teaching practices, assist with instructional activities, and mentor children. This helps students to connect learning theory with real-world applications in the classroom. When going to your observation site, bring your journal and answer the following questions. These exercises link to the content for this chapter of the text.

1		Identify exceptional learners at your observation site. Describe their characteristics. Which students are gifted and talented? Which have special learning needs?
2		How does the teacher accommodate the needs of exceptional learners? In what ways could the teacher improve his or her teaching strategies?
3		On the basis of what you have observed in the classroom, what is your evaluation of "inclusion" or "mainstreaming"? Give evidence to support your statements.