Module 2

Observation (2)

Observation Date: 1/10/2014

Class: Foundations Level 1

1) Describe the lesson and class
This was a foundations level 1 class. There are 24 students in the class. Students had 2 tasks to
accomplish. They first had to complete their task, and create a second draft. They then kept the final
draft to work on their second task: which was to create an iMovie to present their topic, which was
about celebrations.
2) Ways the classroom observation was useful
I had a chance to practice parallel teaching. I learned how to use the app Keynote for submitting work.
Learned how to help students focus on the important part of the task e.g. focus on your explanation not
on the pictures.
3) Teaching techniques that I could apply to my classes to improve student learning:
Using an app as a tool for presenting students work. I would also try to move my class around so that
students worked in different places in the building without having to be confined in the classroom. I also
liked that she modeled using her own example of a celebration.
4) Teaching techniques that I would modify or exclude when teaching my own course:
I liked all the teaching techniques she used.
5) Classroom organization
It was a parallel teaching session, so after introducing and modeling their tasks, the teacher allowed me
and half the students to go to another classroom. This other classroom had desks and chairs around a
desk in a circle, so that was conducive to group work. All students had already been told to download
the iMovie app, and the app worked well.
6) Instructional management:
The teacher had prepared a keynote presentation of her own and showed them how she prepared it.
She had only done half the keynote and showed them as she completed it. Instructional time was used
effectively, and students were given reminders if it seemed they were lagging. iPad use was conducive
to the learning experience.
7) Instructional strategies:
Daily objectives were stated but not displayed. The introduction to the lesson and tasks was very clear.
Students seemed to function really well in a task-based environment. They also worked well with
partners. All students were involved in this experience and were eager to show their presentations.
8) Classroom management:
The teacher sometimes had to raise her voice to get their attention, but overall the class showed good
conduct. The teacher did not need to circulate as she explained the task, but did consistently ask for
feedback. Students were all engaged and very interested in creating a presentation about celebrations.