FACULTAD HUMANIDADES

ENGLISH TEACHING PRACTICE

Post- observation feedback – REFLECTION

The day of my supervision by Miss Vasquez was one that I’d been looking forward to as
I was eager to show what I could do.

I have a very good relationship with my class which has been forged through genuine
personal interaction with them. Talking about issues that concerned them and giving them
a high degree of autonomy helped develop a strong bond with them. Also the little
emphasis I gave the grading system played an important role as well. I firmly believe that
grades, or the way they are used, punitively most of the time, detract from the learning
experience of the students and this is often reflected in their motivation or lack of it
which is directly reflected in the type of work they do.

Looking back at how the class went, I thought that maybe I ought to have recapped what
we’d learnt in the class but perhaps my ambitious plan left me with little time to do this.
Also the importance of having a clear and organized whiteboard was something that came
to light when doing my class and was not only mentioned by Miss Vasquez but also by
one of the best students of the class, soon after I’d finished. He remarked how it would
benefit more students if I structured the board better. His comments hit the nail right on
the head and caused a shift in my thinking regarding this issue; one which since that time
I’ve consciously tried to improve. I guess we live and learn, and sometimes from the most
unlikely sources.

In general however I think that I conducted a very interesting and participative class
where everybody contributed to its success, even Miss Vasquez, who volunteered some
answers. I don’t have too many problems when standing at the front and am always
willing to “play the clown” so to speak in order to engage the students in what I’m trying
to teach. My body language is always positive I think, and have been told so by the
students, and am always quick to encourage all students as the need arises.

I feel that it was a very rewarding experience for all involved and hope that as I continue
to grow as a teacher and educator; I’ll continue to have the same, if not more, enthusiasm
for all my classes.