Jamie CO#2

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 31st, 11:00am.

Topic/Skill: Reading 1A, taught by Candace Warmka

Teacher Presentation:

Mrs. Warmka led review from the previous class before delving further into a passage about the danger of extinction facing pandas in China. She presented on relevant vocabulary, and allowed time and opportunity for student input. After going over vocabulary, the class was divided by table and tasked with reading the text individually before discussing it in pairs. Following this was class discussion over various aspects of the lesson, including vocabulary, sharing opinions, and discussing the subject of the reading. She also focused on giving visual examples of words like "mountain," or "bamboo," which seemed very effective.

Classroom Management:

Mrs. Warmka was especially good at creating a focused atmosphere. When it became necessary, she asked that all cell phones be put away, or requested eye contact when a student seemed unfocused during review. During individual reading she stayed mobile, checking in with each student to see if they felt comfortable with their reading or needed assistance. As partners discussed their thoughts, she joined in conversations when lulls occurred to stimulate further discourse. She encouraged learning vocabulary in context, whether it focused on the reading or as part of organic discussion.

Materials:

Powerpoint presentation, computer, white board, textbook, dry erase markers, google image search.

Student Participation:

Students were encouraged to participate through discussion of vocabulary, partnered conversation, and group discussion.

Feedback Provided:

Mrs. Warmka's feedback came from the coaching style, leading students to correct their own errors whenever possible. She incorporated skill checks as a natural part of conversation throughout the partner and group discussions. Mrs. Warmka also used her observations during partner work to later address concepts that needed additional attention as a class.

Lesson(s) on teaching you learned:

Reading on new subjects presents an excellent opportunity to go over vocabulary in context, and when simple verbal descriptions will not suffice, use of visual aids often generates immediate understanding.