Pair work – “critical friend”

Approximate time: 50 min.

Aim: to learn how to act as a critical friend, to learn the importance of sharing experience and to value different views on the same matter

Step 1

In pairs, one of you should think of a recent event during his/her teaching activity that made him/her feel uneasy and should report on that. The other should ask questions trying not to be judgemental or express personal opinions. All questions should be open (e.g. “how did you feel when that happened?” “How did you react?” “Why?”). Allow yourselves about 15 minutes for this phase.

Step 2

When the 15 minutes are over, join another pair and briefly report on the topic of your discussion, then listen to their report. Allow another 15 minutes for this phase.

Step 3

Try to list possible solutions for the situations you have been discussing within the small group. Allow yourselves 20 minutes for this phase.

Group work – “microteaching”

Approximate time: 50 min.

Aim: practicing peer observation

In small groups, organize microteaching sessions. Proceed as follows:

Step 1

Choose a very simple topic within the discipline you teach, an prepare a 15-minute lesson plan.

Step 2

Hold a 15-minute lesson in front of three colleagues. During your lesson a fourth colleague will have to focus on some aspects of your teaching style (e.g. body language, tone of voice, eye contact, etc) and take notes.

Step 3

Write down the impressions you had and the sensations you felt during the lesson. The three “students” should do the same. Then each of you should read what he/she has written out loud. The observer should show his/her notes to the group at this stage.

Step 4

Discuss both weaknesses and strengths of the teaching session.