The method of micro teaching

The core of this experience is
• The presentation of two 15 minute micro lessons by each participant. When one participant presents the lesson as the instructor, the other participants become the students for that lesson.
• A timer is used to keep to the STRICTLY ENFORCED 15 minute time limit. Please don’t be offended if you are cut off; it will be necessary to keep to the time limit so that everyone might participate fully. Because this time limit is strictly enforced, it might be very helpful for you actually to practice and time yourself before you arrive.
• Please DO NOT try and cram an entire body of knowledge into 15 minutes; this is designed to provide a quick snapshot into your teaching methodology. The goal is to provide a sample of a teaching method or style in order to get a fresh perspective on it from your learners.
• Your 15 minute lesson can cover from the beginning, middle or end of one course lesson.
You have several decisions to make concerning the preparation of your micro lessons:
1) Your topic: Choose a teaching topic that you are comfortable with in order to focus on a particular teaching method or element.
2) Your lesson objectives: Think about and be able to articulate what you want your students to learn from your lesson (e.g., facts, concepts, skills, and/or values) and how your teaching methodology might work to fulfill your objectives (see Developing Performance Objectives for Microteaching handout).
3) What you want feedback on. You can specify to the group what you would like them to focus on. For example, you may wish to have overall, general feedback or perhaps you might wish for the group to simply attend to a specific issue, such as how you use questions or reinforcement with students.

• When you are in the role of students, you should combine the role of student and observer, striving to create as natural a classroom setting as possible.
• Do not feel like you must role play specific student behaviors, but do feel free to ask questions and comment as a learner in the classroom environment.
• Try to focus on what is happening during the micro lesson.

Ground Rules
1. Respect confidentiality concerning what we learn about each other.
2. Respect agreed-upon time limits. This may be hard, but please understand that it is necessary.
3. Maintain collegiality.