Observation in pre-service teacher education Mercedes Bernaus

DURING THE TUTORIALS AT THE FACULTY We prepare the didactic unit during the 1st semester (Faculty tutor, students and school tutor) Tutorials with 4 or 5 students working together. 2nd semester students prepare activities IN PAIRS and teach in pairs in both schools. IMPORTANT!!! STUDENTS ASK ME TO GO AND OBSERVE THEM TEACH

AT THE SCHOOL We have a short conversation with the school tutor. We go to the classroom. I’m introduced to the pupils. I say hello and ask them some questions in order to make them feel comfortable. I sit down next to those pupils I think may have difficulties during the activity. I observe the classroom layout, decoration, facilities, etc.

How the trainee starts the session to raise pupils’ interest in the activities How the trainee introduces new input The use of the target language The use of body language The use of visuals The use of realia How s/he manages the classroom Frontal teaching, pair work, group work (how to organise it) Variety and number of activities (games, role plays, songs...) Timing!!!

Teacher and pupils interactions Humanistic and affective relations Respectfulness How s/he deals with diversity

TUTORIALS AT THE FACULTY Group discussion about trainees’ appraisal of their teaching How they felt while being observed Did their pupils behave better because the university tutor was there? What might they improve of their lesson? What changes would they make? I emphasize the positive points I observed and I also tell them what should be improved.