Microteaching Techniques and Benefits

Study Notes

Defined in various ways, including a scaled-down teaching encounter in a smaller class size and time frame.
A controlled practice system for concentrating on specific teaching behaviors.
A teacher education technique to practice teaching skills in controlled conditions.
Allows teachers to apply defined skills in a series of 5-10 minute encounters with small groups of students.
Allows observation and feedback on teaching performance, often using video recordings.
5-20 minute teaching encounter with a group of five students.
Useful for experienced and inexperienced teachers to develop and refine skills.

Builds skills and confidence.
Allows practice of various teaching styles.
Provides opportunities for constructive feedback and self-reflection on teaching.
Allows observation and commentary on other teachers' performances.
Useful for teacher preparation to refine skills in small group settings aided by video recordings.
Creates a protected environment for trying out methods with supportive colleagues.
Offers insight into students' learning needs and expectations.
Allows enrichment of one's own repertoire of teaching methods.

More comfortable than real classroom settings due to reduced pressure.
Eliminates pressure of lecture length, scope, and large student numbers.
Skilled supervisors provide support and insight.
Focuses on specific teaching faults for improved perspective.
Eliminates complexities of a classroom (e.g., lecture length, scope).
Provides skilled supervision and constructive feedback.
Provides a safe environment to experiment with teaching techniques and receive feedback from peers and supervisors.
Effective for novice and experienced educators.

Small groups (6-12 students) are involved in one session.
Experienced instructors facilitate.
Students take on roles of students/peers.
Microlessons (5-10 minutes) allow focused practice of skills.
Immediate feedback from colleagues and supervisors.
Focus is on developing one/a few skills at a time. A cycle of Plan, Teach, Feedback, Re-plan, Re-teach, Re-feedback, enabling mastery of specific skills.

Explains the skill, providing examples and suitable illustrations.
Trainer demonstrates to students.
Students plan lessons based on the demonstration.
Teach a short teaching demonstration to a small group of students.
Supervisor and peers observe the teaching with feedback.
Re-plan, re-teach (to the same or different group of pupils) and re-evaluate based on feedback.
Supervisor/peers provide feedback on adjustments.

Micro focuses on small groups, specific skills, immediate feedback.
Traditional spans longer sessions, multiple skills, feedback may be indirect/delayed.