Episode 3 - See and Say (Utilization of Teaching Aids)

EPISODE 3
SEA AND SAY (Utilization of Teaching Aids) 

TARGET
At the end of this activity, you will gain competence in determining the appropriateness of teaching aids to learning tasks.

MAP
To reach your target, follow the steps below:

      Step 1. Observe a class on its regular schedule.
      Step 2. Note down the various teaching aids that were utilized in the teaching learning process.
      Step 3. Comment on the appropriateness of the teaching aids to the learning tasks.
      Step 4. Reflect on your learning.

      TOOLS

       As you observe the class, use the activity forms provided for you to document your observations.
     

       

OBSERVATION REPORT Date of Observation: September 24, 2013 Name of Center Observed: Xavier University - Center for Integrated Technologies Subject: Digital Electronics                                           Topic: KMAP Grade/Year Level: Second Year Last September 24, 2013, I went to Xavier University –Center for Integrated Technologies to observe the class of Ms. Oliva Lim. The subject was about Digital Electronics and students were 2nd year level.    This subject required more of a direct instruction approach so students must be attentive on the steps given by the teacher. Ms. Lim started discussing the new topic and everyone was listening and was looking on the board. The class was interested on the subject. While Ms. Lim was writing the illustrations on the board the students were taking some notes. Within the discussion, there are some questions and clarifications raised by the students. It really showed that the students were active on the class. There was truly an interaction between the teacher and the students. Ms. Lim also asked questions to the students to affirm that they understand the topic. The environment was really conducive for learning and students had high respect for Ms. Lim and there were not afraid to share their ideas or ask questions related to the topic. Even though Ms. Lim was only using the traditional board and pen teaching aid, the students were eager to learn about the lesson. Ms. Lim made sure that her writings and illustrations on the board were clear to the students. The teacher doesn’t really need to use high tech devices to catch the attention of the students as long as the teacher is effective in teaching her lessons. Ms. Lim had ways to maintain the level of attention of the class thus making lesson more fun and interactive. At the end of the day, materials and other aids could not replace a teacher because she can feel and understand what the students need to learn.

UTILIZATION OF TEACHING AIDS FORM

Grade or Year Level of Class Observed:  Second Year
Date of Observation: September 24, 2013
Subject Matter: Digital Electronics
Brief Description of Teaching Approach Used by the Teacher: The subject requires more of a direct instruction approach so students must be attentive on the steps given by the teacher. The students will solve problems through drills or seat works with analysis.
Teaching Aids used (Enumerate in bullet form)	Strengths	Weaknesses	Comments on  Appropriateness of the Teaching Aids used
Whiteboard	Easily available Inexpensive and  easy to install Easy to clean  and edit  Attention grabber	Temporary and  cannot be saved Sometimes messy Teacher turns back  while writing Handwriting and  spelling deficiency  can cause  disruption	It should be maintained  and cleaned Plan ahead what to write  on the board Write legibly and neatly Avoid talking to the board Never use hand in erasing Don't block the board  while writing

      

       

Analysis

What do you think prompted the teacher to choose the materials/learning resources that she/he used?

I think she choose the whiteboard because it is easy to write and erase or edit data on it. It is easier to draw diagrams and illustrations spontaneously. It is more about the convenience aside from the fact the subject requires  direct  approach which is a teacher oriented instruction.

What difficulties, if any, did the teacher experience? How can this be managed?

Based on my observation, I didn't find any problems because the teacher was adept with the subject and she was teaching the subject for almost twenty years. So using the board was not difficult for her but probably if you are new to it, the handwriting and blocking of the board will be a factor.. Practice writing on the board to manage this problems.

Over-all, were the learning resources/materials used effectively? Why? Why not?

For me, Yes, the learning resources were used effectively because the students were attentive and there was class participation going on. At the end of the lesson, I can say that the students learned a lot based on how they react to the instructions of the teacher.

Reflections

1. Put yourself in the of the teacher. What could you do similarly and what would you do differently if you will teach the same lesson to the same group of students? Why?

If I was to teach the same lesson to those group of students, I still used the same teaching aid because it is really difficult to teach subject that involves a bit about numbers and diagrams. I will make sure that my writings on the board are as legible and neat as to the teacher that I observed. To break the monopoly of using the board, I will probably show a video or have a presentation using the LCD projector and later used the board for further discussions.