Tutor:
Jerry, how did it go with preparing your lessons? Is there anything you would like to discuss?
Jerry:
Well, this is actually the first time that I have ever taught in an elementary classroom.
Jerry:
After 8 years of learning pedagogy, I want to practice what I’ve learned in an instructive manner, but I’m a bit stuck right now.
Jerry:
You know the topic 1 want them to research is a bit hard for pupils.
Jerry:
I’m afraid that they won’t be able to handle it on their own.
Jerry:
So I need new ideas on designing more effective teaching methods.
Jerry:
Mr.Carter, do you have any suggestions?
Tutor:
Well, you should probably read this book called Professional Learning, written by J.K. Simmons.
Tutor:
He is a professor who just transferred here last semester but is already popular amongst the students for his creative teaching methods.
Tutor:
There is an extensive range of learning approaches mentioned in the book including approaches for team research, which might be helpful to you.
Jerry:
You mean dividing the students into groups to do research?
Jerry:
I’ve never thought of this before. How does it work?
Tutor:
Professor Simmons has already demonstrated how efficient this approach can be.
Tutor:
Basically it aims to increase cooperation between students so they can present the results in a collaborative fashion.
Tutor:
It helps them to develop their own voice and perspective.
Jerry:
I’ll check out the book as soon as possible.
Jerry:
It seems I can borrow some of the essential concepts and work them into my course design.
Jerry:
Well, I was thinking maybe I could use both observation and nonobservation as part of my teaching methodology.
Jerry:
Could you take a look at my teaching plan?
Tutor:
Sure. What kind of observational methods do you have in mind?
Jerry:
For the observational part, I intend to include two approaches.
Jerry:
First, the pupils can assess each other’s behaviour.
Jerry:
I feel that reviewing fellow students through criteria-based reference evaluation allows constructive feedback.
Jerry:
It can also improve their understanding of the subject material.
Tutor:
That’s a smart move for a large class that would be hard to observe all by yourself.
Tutor:
Also, you might want to get the feedback from several different individuals rather than just one.
Tutor:
So how do you plan to carry out the peer assessments?
Jerry:
Oh, every pupil will be required to write a diary, which includes group projects, presentations and in-class discussions.
Jerry:
They’ll put down their remarks. I’ll collect them on a regular basis which can also help me see whether they can keep up or not.
Tutor:
Good, what else do you intend to do?
Jerry:
Besides that, I also plan to do video recording.
Jerry:
I’ve already purchased a camera just in case I miss anything important.
Jerry:
I can go back and review their performances anytime I want.
Tutor:
Would you record every in-class activity?
Jerry:
No, I’ll just keep track of an in-class simulation, which would require every pupil to fully participate.
Jerry:
Students will act as members of a City Council meeting, discussing issues like whether or not prohibition should be instated in the United States.
Tutor:
This kind of teaching method is both inspiring and challenging.
Tutor:
I can’t wait to see how yours work out. Do you send me a copy of the assessment afterwards, will you?
Tutor:
So what do you have in mind for the non-observational approaches?
Jerry:
Well, my plan is to quantify the statistics. Numbers do not lie.
Jerry:
It is the most direct way to measure their performance. See how well they’ve learned.
Tutor:
Where does the data come from?
Jerry:
I’ll evaluate the test results including the mid-term, final exam and pop quizzes, which would only take up about 40 percent of the overall assessment.
Tutor:
Sounds like a lot of tests and assignments. Please remember that you don’t want to wear out your students.
Tutor:
Keeping them engaged is the key to efficient learning. Once they are exhausted, they just stop trying.
Jerry:
Oh, I haven’t thought about that. You are right.
Jerry:
I don’t want to frighten them with tons of assignments and exams. I’ll make note of that. Thanks for the advice.
Tutor:
I remember last time you mentioned questionnaires, right?
Jerry:
That’s true. But it is not for my students.
Jerry:
In fact, they have to design their own questionnaires and choose the respondents using the Internet.
Jerry:
As a complement of other teaching activities, it would deepen the creative learning process.
Jerry:
Oh, the pupils will have to conduct interviews of their own.
Jerry:
And for this, they get to choose anyone they like, including relatives, friends and acquaintances to answer the questions.
Tutor:
Seems to me that you have figured out most of your teaching methods. But you still need to polish some of the activities...
