Category: Reflections

Teacher: Dian Henderson

Date: May 18, 2021

Course: Advanced Reading

Lesson: Critical Thinking

This was my first time observing a reading class so it helped shaped my future lessons of teaching reading myself in a later week. The class began with the instructor directing all students to turn on their cameras to say hello to each other. This took about 15 minutes but since classes are online I think it is morale-boosting and creates a better atmosphere to see everybody first. I would personally try to speed up this process since there is only so much incredibly valuable time with students. However, the rapport that is being made between student and teacher can not necessarily be achieved by rushing over and through people so it leaves me in a dilemma. At least when classes are back in person, it will be much easier to create this connection without having to set aside slots of time for it. After the first few introduction activities were completed, the instructor introduced the review for the day. A 10 question breakout room discussion. The instructor purposefully divided students into groups to vary the skill levels of students so they would be varied in their abilities. After the class, they had a class discussion about the questions so the instructor could gauge how far they achieved. I was very impressed with the instructor’s ability to ask one student a question and have another student respond or react to their thought. This a nice, simple way to create a student-centered teaching environment. Following this activity, students were shown a video about critical thinking. I liked how the instructor asked the students what happened in the video and after hearing it was unclear, she responded to the feedback by rewatching the video and guiding the students by advising what they should be listening for. They proceeded with a discussion activity on critical thinking within reading. From this I will take the importance to create a rapport with students and to be sure to be perceptive of their anxieties or difficulties.

Instructor: Dr. Hilda Freimuth

Date: May 17, 2021

Course: Grammar

Lesson: Adjective Clauses

This first lesson I observed was an incredibly helpful and interesting process to watch. This lesson was focused on adjective clauses. The instructor began the class by directing students to fill out their homework in the shared notes in order to verify they did their work and also for attendance to ensure everyone has arrived. The instructor met the students with pleasant enthusiasm, encouragement, and assistance in completing their homework tasks. Once the homework from last week was completed, the daily lesson was introduced as adjective clauses. A variety of activities were completed to ensure interactivity with the students and they even played the game Taboo. This game was altered to include the topic of adjective clauses which I thought was creative and fun. The students at first were hesitant but after the instructor modeled and eased them into the objective they were all able to succeed. Up to this point, the instructor encouraged questions and feedback by being receptive and aware of her online “surroundings”. There was genuine encouragement from the instructor to the students and you could sense the effect of this via their high participation. I, along with the other student teachers thought this lesson was successful. We admired the student participation and were surprised the students could answer the questions. Shortly thereafter, the instructor advised that she was not fully content with the lesson. Her objective was to have this lesson as a review of previous courses. She believed the students were already comfortable with adjective clauses and this would be a refresher. She was surprised to hear student feedback advising she was proceeding too quickly and surprised at certain incorrect answers from students. She was planning on moving on to another topic for the following week but after reflecting decided she would have to do another class discussing adjective clauses. This taught me a few things. First, even when classes seem to be participative and engaged, does not always mean the objective was fulfilled. Second, it taught me to be perceptive of feedback and incorrect answers. And third, it taught me to remember to be adaptive and not be deadset on my plan for the lesson or entire course and that not everything will be achieved to the level I may expect.

Instructor: Dr. Hilda Freimuth

Date: May 26, 2021

Course: Grammar

Lesson: Adjective Clauses

This was my second observation of an English class at TRU. It was another great introduction to the program and left me with many ideas and inspirations for future lessons. Hilda began the lesson with a joke from “Off the Mark” and immediately welcomed all of the students and asked them to complete their homework assignments in the shared notes. After receiving confirmation from students via a poll that they felt comfortable with the previous material she continued on with her lesson for the day which would be focused on reinforcing knowledge of adjective clauses as she felt that last weeks lesson on the same topic was slower and not as smooth as she expected for the students. Hilda, therefore, adapted her lesson for this class and gave the students more material and activities on adjective clauses to cement their capabilities. Hilda included many fun and original activities that I and the students enjoyed. One of which was a word search except she would provide clues for the word she wished they would circle with an adjective clause describing that person or thing (wears crazy clothes and is a singer – Lady Gaga).

I learned a lot from the activities Hilda presented, the pace she lectured at, and her enthusiasm with the students. Also, when correcting students she would rarely cut them off or shoot down their ideas, instead she provided subtle corrective feedback which helped with classroom flow. After the lesson it was evident that the students were much more comfortable with the subject of this class and the last. The two classes of Hilda’s that I watched showed me most importantly not to be set on your lesson plans and things will not always go as smoothly as expected. Because of this, Hilda adapted and rearranged material in order to be sure that she could move on to the next topic without students feeling overwhelmed with the material.