Professional Practice 4: Lesson Preparation

Description

The teachers in SKKL do not sit together to discuss about their lesson plans. This is because students are divided into ability groups and thus, their pace of learning varies. Class Utarid for every year group in SKKL is a class that is provided a support program (LINUS). This is help to the students with learning difficulties. The teachers who teach these classes will receive a book called the teacher's module. The book consists of full  lesson plans , lesson activities, and lesson materials. This means that even worksheets are included. Everything is stated clearly and precisely in the book.  From how the teacher can carry out the lesson to how they can assess their students at the end of the lesson. Whereas, for the national curriculum, the lesson activities are selected from the textbook. There are times when teachers search for online lesson plans and activities that can be conducted too. 

 

Also, teachers have a choice of both indoor and outdoor activities to engage students. Despite that, most lesson activities are still carried out in the classroom. This is because it is inconvenient for the teacher to take care of a group of 40 students by himself or herself. There are some times when teachers will bring students out of the classroom for an activity. For instance, there is a lesson where students have to look for plants around the school. This is a science activity mentioned by Ms Marina.

 

 

Feelings and Evaluation

I personally think that teachers should not rely too much on the teacher’s module . Although everything is supplied and it helps to lessen the  workload, teachers should be able to propose new or innovative lesson activities.  This will help put student interest at the centre of their teachings. This is because the lesson plans provided may not be suitable for the students’ learning needs, styles, and preferences. “Will students learn when they do not enjoy learning?” Teachers should be incentivised to involve students interests to make learning more fun.

 

Also, I am aware that students do a lot of workbook exercises as their in-class tasks. However, I think this will affect their desire and motivation in learning because they do not see what they are learning as relevant to their lives. Therefore, it is crucial for teachers to make learning more enjoyable for the students. We have to keep in mind that learning does not occur only when students are quiet and serious.

 

 

Analysis

Frequently, the teachers will conduct a simple activity that every student can complete individually. Despite that, I think students’ learning experiences will be more meaningful if teachers can conduct more group work in class. In today’s world, students should be exposed to working collaboratively with others  but also learn to work independently. Therefore, both independent and collaborative learning should be taken into account when planning. By making students work in groups, it will help students to be more engaging in the discussions, learn to communicate effectively as well as to think critically while brainstorming ideas with peers. Students should be exposed to different kinds of activities that develop them as a holistic individual.

 

Additionally, the learning activities should be designed based on Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. This is so that the learning activities can cater to students with different intelligences. A good learning activity employs a variety of intelligences. With this, teachers can provide more opportunities for authentic learning. Research shows that many teachers incorporate MI  because it aids creating more personalized and diversified instructional experiences in the classroom. Therefore, it taps into students' intrinsic levels of motivation through natural talents that will help students to be more participative, involving and engaging in the classroom activities. It is a fundamental shift towards a learner-centred approach. Also, fun and meaningful classroom activities are effective to make students easily recall of what they have learnt.

 

 

Conclusion

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn” by Benjamin Franklin. It may not be a superpower and few have natural talent. However, we should get used to making learning enjoyable. The more teachers practice a learner centred approach, the better they will be at it.

 

 

 

References

Gardner, Howard. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. NY: BasicBooks, 1983.

 

Briggs, S. (2013, June 7). How Peer Teaching Improves Student Learning and 10 Ways To Encourage It - InformED. Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/peer-teaching/