Microteach Reflection

Name:

This reflection needs to have a 5-10 sentence

paragraph completed for each category in the
Reflection template. Consult with the rubric
below to guide your responses.

Gina Groger

Presenta
tion
Rubric

Exceptio
nal

Superior

Above
Average

Satisfact
ory

Below
Average

Weak

Evaluates
his/her own
performanc
e making
suggestions
for
improvemen
t

Exceptional
reflection
that
considers
self and
peer
feedback
and
determines
personal
goals for
the future
(with
possible
strategies
to address
them)

Completes
all
component
s,
referencing
specific
portions
and
feedback
from peers

Completes
all
component
s,
referencing
specific
portions of
the lesson
and
delivery

Completes
all
component
s of the
reflection
adequately

Reflection
provides
little insight
or evidence
of critical
analysis

Reflection
minimal or
does not
critically
address
component
s of the
lesson

Strengths of the lesson

When I first stood in front of my peers I was extremely nervous; however,
one strength that I believe really helped the entirety of my lesson was that I
was positive, and did my best to keep my students engaged in the
activities and discussion. From my time spent in practicum and seminar of
Education 2500, I have learned that one of the utmost important factors in
being a teacher, is to engage, encourage and manage the classroom. This is
one area in which I believe I did well, for the most part my students were on
task and their focus was directed on the experiments I set up. In reviewing
my peer-feedback, I was told that I did very well in terms of classroom
management and positive encouragement, so I am very happy with those
results. One other area that I received positive peer feedback on was my use
of hands-on experiments and a diversity of materials. I used multiple
experiments in order to engage the students, and help them understand and
learn with a more real-life feel. In seminar, I was particularly intrigued by
the Cone of Learning, which states that people are able to remember up to
90% of what they actually do. My aim in this lesson was to try and help the
students really get involved with their own learning, and solidify it. The
different materials and learning strategies I learned within the classroom I
feel helped reinforce the lesson and make the topics more concrete. By using
worksheets, hands-on materials (e.g. the prisms), and having class
ED 2500 Orientation to Teaching

discussion I tried to create differentiated learning to the best of my abilities

at this point in time, for a short duration. The attention grabber, my lab coat
and glasses performing the milk demonstration received lots of positive peer
feedback as well. A final touch that I believe went well with every single
student was tasting the rainbow, when they got their package of Skittles.
Originally, the purpose of the candy was just to make class fun, but it also
served as a reward for hard work, and potentially motivation for hard work
and participation in the future.

Revisions that could be considered

However, I do have my own criticisms to keep in mind. As this was my first
time giving a lesson, nerves and rushing posed an issue. Were I to do this
again, I would find a way to display my milk demonstration onto the
screen/SMART board (whatever tool is available). I would change this
because it simply is not practical to ask students to leave their desks and
crowd around; it could lead to a mess or pushing and disorder, which results
in a loss of classroom management. Although this was not the case, I feel the
demonstration would have been more effective if each student had plain
view of how I was conducting it, and the immediate results of it. Some other
areas of the microteach lesson that next time I could improve upon would
include having a more prominent introduction and closure. Some of the peer
feedback I received mentioned that I was rushed in these areas and could
have used more focus, and I think this was primarily due to nerves, and a
lack of experience under time constraints. I also agree with the peer
feedback; in reviewing my video I did not spend as much time as planned on
these areas, and as I have ascertained from practicum these are important
areas to focus on. The introduction especially, because this is where teachers
gain the interest and focus of their students. One other thing that I noticed in
reviewing my video feedback, was that I did not clearly state my learning
objectives to the class. I would change this in the future, to clearly outline
the purpose of the lesson, and why it is important. One final thing I would like
to address in the future is that I would try to incorporate more forms of
instruction; focusing on more of an effective mix between individual, whole
and group class discussion. A possible way to address this would be through
setting up stations of my microteach experiments, rather than having the
entire class do each step together to try and see if that strategy would have
more benefits.
Overall evaluation of the lesson and next steps
All in all, I think that for my first official time in front of a classroom I did well.
Of course there is much room for improvement as I continue to learn and
grow in my practicum, but I am happy with how the majority of the lesson
went. I noticed right away that the classroom experience of practicum is
ED 2500 Orientation to Teaching

invaluable; from watching and observing a real room full of students and how
my teacher associate works with them I have gained priceless knowledge in
terms of how to deliver and manage a class. The lesson plan also helped a
great deal; I would have not been nearly as confident as I was going into the
lesson, and that is saying something because I was very nervous! It really
emphasizes the importance of planning out step-by-step instructions,
materials, and how to deal with multiple situations in a realistic setting. This
was a really eye-opening experience, and I am really excited to continue on
to new schools and broaden my experience and horizons even more. I think
the idea of a lesson plan and microteach are very valuable, and I am thankful
that I have been given this opportunity for feedback, both positive and
negative. It will vastly help me improve and continue to try and innovate and
come up with new ways to engage, and widen my imagination.

ED 2500 Orientation to Teaching