Reflection on observation: 4
Reflective model used: Rolfe et al
What? (Description of event)
The aim of this session was to introduce learners to the Speaking Listening
and Communication module. The session focus was to get learners to begin
actively differentiating between negative and positive forms of communication
and how to demonstrate the later to create a successful discussion.
The session was broken up into three separate parts; a starter activity that
was done in pairs, a teamed activity identifying types of communication, and a
final main activity where learners discussed and came to a collective decision.
All activities were aimed towards being interactive and verbal to encourage
learners to begin verbally expressing their ideas and thoughts in order for me
to assess how they do this. It was also for learners to become aware of how
they do this in the final activity.
So what? (An analysis of event)
Overall the lesson was deemed a success in which the main lesson objectives
had been mostly fulfilled.
Key strengths that were noted by observers, and myself were;
 Management of behaviour and guiding/supporting verbal discussions
 Management of disruptions and distractions
 Demonstrated positive authority by asserting phone policy
 Positive reinforcement /praise
 Eliciting of feedback on activities
 Relevant interesting resources (‘big bang theory’ clip)
Areas for developments that were noted by observers and myself;
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Using layout of room to create better environment/ group work
Using scaffolding methods only when required. For example, in the
task where learners had to list negative and positive communication,
higher ability learners did not require the prompt cards and could have
been pushed further by allowing them to use own knowledge.
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Using questioning methods that will encourage learners to justify their
opinions instead of just simple stating them.
Supporting and guiding discussion more, instead of ‘dictating’ direction
of discussion.
So what were the effects of what I did/ did not do
Now what? (Proposed actions following event)
In future sessions I will aim take the following actions to help me progress as
a more effective teacher;
Although my questioning methods are growing and I am able to illicit responses
better, I need to take this further by forming questions that will effectively
challenge learners to justify their ideas. I could do this by differentiating the
questions for different learner abilities and allowing pause time for learners to
respond.
Setting out of the classroom has been recognised after the observation a good
method to help control group discussions. In future, grouping learners more
effectively and moving tables to create a better atmosphere may aid a more
fruitful discussion.
Another way to improve discussion and awareness of negative and positive
communication is by (as suggested by mentor) to have three part role-plays. This
is where two learners engage in a discussion and the third observes and writes
down constructive feedback.