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Assignment 4 Lessons from the classroom
Part A: Peer and Teacher Observations
I have never learnt so much about teaching than during my CELTA course. I
could never imagine that one could receive and put into practice so many things
in such a short period of time. One of the most rewarding aspects of learning
teaching is the observation of experienced teachers and our peers. It is always
beneficial to take time to learn from the others.
I will always remember how this teacher from the International House of
London taught writing by using visualisation as a lead-in (which was new to me)
and how she successfully managed to engage and make her students write
through meticulous guidance and her step-by-step activities.
Jacqui’s first lesson had a particular effect on me. I was amazed by how she
managed time and students she has never seen before. The thing that struck me
the most is how student-centred her lesson was. Her silences, patience and
attentiveness are incredible facets that I will take into deep consideration in my
own teaching. It impacted so much on students’ interests and on the classroom
atmosphere that I realised during her observation some of my own teaching
weaknesses.
The teacher’s enterprise in taking charge of the listening and phonology skills
was quite fascinating and full of astute operations to say the least. His
management of the white board as well as his use of colours to distinguish
prominent words from the others showed strong dexterity. His use of the