Micro-Teaching Log Reflection

During my online lesson, several aspects went well, contributing to a positive learning experience for my learners. First, my preparation and knowledge of the subject matter enhanced my confidence and ability to explain key concepts effectively. Being well-versed in the importance and purpose of questionnaires enabled me to provide clear and meaningful explanations, facilitating learners' understanding. Additionally, my ability to engage and motivate learners played a significant role in the lesson's success. By creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, I fostered a sense of curiosity and willingness to participate, which is essential for effective learning, especially in an online setting. My use of varied instructional strategies, such as posing open-ended questions and facilitating discussions, promoted critical thinking and deeper understanding among learners. This approach encouraged them to analyse and reflect on the content rather than passively receive information. Furthermore, my adaptability during the lesson helped address any unexpected questions or challenges that arose, ensuring that the learners felt supported throughout the process.

Based on both my reflection and the peer feedback that I rushed my presentation of the lesson, I encountered several challenges and obstacles. First, time management presented a challenge, leading me to condense important content to fit within the allotted time. This could have resulted in insufficiently covering key concepts, which in turn may have hindered my learners’ understanding and retention of the material. Additionally, the pressure to engage learners while adhering to a schedule caused me to speak too quickly and I may have skipped over important details that warranted further explanation or discussion. This rushing could also indicate that I underestimated the time needed for interactive components, such as discussions or questions, which are crucial for promoting engagement and comprehension. Finally, I struggled to balance the use of various ICT tools effectively while ensuring that I provided a clear and thorough presentation. This led to a hurried pace, as I attempted to integrate technology while maintaining learner engagement. Overall, these challenges highlighted my need for better pacing and planning to ensure that my learners receive a comprehensive and meaningful lesson experience.

Based on the design of my lesson, it appeared that I successfully met the learning objectives. My use of Blackboard Collaborate and PowerPoint allowed me to present clear explanations about the importance and purpose of questionnaires, and engaging learners in discussions via a live messaging platform further supported their understanding of these concepts. By incorporating Google Forms, learners were able to see real-life applications of questionnaires, and this hands-on experience helped them recognize and identify different types of questionnaires, reinforcing their learning. The structured presentation and discussions provided opportunities for learners to describe the key features of questionnaires, ensuring they grasped this aspect of the content. Additionally, the practical application through Google Forms allowed learners to accurately fill out a questionnaire, fulfilling this learning objective as they applied their knowledge in a real context. Overall, the combination of interactive tools and engaging methods effectively facilitated learners' understanding and application of the content, demonstrating that the lesson met the specified learning objectives.

The ICT tools I chose for my online lesson were appropriate and well-suited for achieving my learning objectives. Blackboard Collaborate was an excellent choice for delivering the lesson in real time, as it allowed me to interact with my learners live. This tool supported active participation and engagement, which was crucial in maintaining their interest in the online environment. The use of PowerPoint further enhanced this by providing a clear, structured, and visually engaging way to present the lesson content. It helped me guide learners through the material in an organized manner, making it easier for them to understand and retain key information about questionnaires. Additionally, including Google Forms was particularly relevant for my lesson, as it offered a practical, hands-on approach to learning. Learners were able to apply the knowledge they had gained by filling out and reviewing questionnaires, which directly aligned with my lesson objectives. This tool also allowed for immediate assessment, helping me gauge their understanding and provide instant feedback. Finally, incorporating a live messaging and discussion platform encouraged real-time collaboration and interaction, creating an environment where learners could share their ideas, ask questions, and clarify concepts as the lesson progressed. Overall, the combination of these ICT tools effectively supported my online teaching, ensuring that the lesson was both engaging and educational despite the challenges of the online format.

From this experience, I learned several valuable lessons that I can apply to teaching this particular lesson in the classroom. First, I learned the importance of pacing. It’s essential to allocate sufficient time for each section of the lesson, ensuring that I cover all key concepts without rushing. This means carefully planning my presentation to allow time for explanations, discussions, and student interactions, promoting deeper understanding and retention. Second, I recognized the value of engaging students actively. Incorporating varied instructional strategies, such as group discussions, think-pair-share activities, or hands-on experiences, can foster a more interactive and participatory learning environment. This approach helps maintain student interest and encourages critical thinking. Additionally, I learned the significance of being adaptable during lessons. Being open to adjusting my teaching methods based on students’ needs or unexpected questions can create a more responsive classroom atmosphere. Flexibility allows me to address learners' misunderstandings on the spot and ensures that their questions are acknowledged and answered. Moreover, I realized the benefit of gathering ongoing feedback from students during and after the lesson. This feedback can provide insights into what worked well and what needs improvement, enabling me to adjust future lessons accordingly. Lastly, I recognized the importance of building a supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable participating and sharing their thoughts. Encouraging open communication and creating a sense of community can enhance collaboration and engagement in the learning process. By applying these lessons, I can create a more effective and enriching learning experience for my students in future lessons.

Incorporating the feedback from my peers into my lesson improvement process can significantly enhance my teaching effectiveness. First, the positive comments about the uniqueness of my lesson ideas and the use of Google Forms highlight the value of engaging and innovative methods. I can build on this strength by continuing to incorporate interactive elements, such as Google Forms, while also exploring additional technology or tools that facilitate student interaction. The feedback suggesting that I slow down my presentation pace is crucial for ensuring comprehension. To address this, I can practice pacing my delivery before lessons, possibly by timing myself during rehearsals and identifying key points where I should pause for questions or elaboration. This approach will help me create space for learners to process information and engage more meaningfully. Additionally, the appreciation for the encouragement I offered to learners reinforces the importance of a supportive classroom atmosphere. I can continue to foster this positive environment by actively acknowledging student contributions and celebrating their successes, which can enhance motivation and confidence. The suggestion to incorporate more interactive gameplay can lead to exciting lesson enhancements. I can explore various educational games or activities that align with the lesson's content and facilitate collaboration and engagement among students. This could involve group challenges, quizzes, or other interactive formats that promote active learning. Finally, considering the advice to decrease my speaking pace, I can remind myself to take deep breaths and speak deliberately during my lessons. I can also invite students to signal when they need clarification or more time to absorb the material. By thoughtfully integrating this feedback, I can refine my lesson delivery and enhance student engagement, leading to a more effective and enjoyable learning experience for everyone involved.