Lauren CO #1

Beginner Listening Class Group 1 Observation, Professor Ryan Flemming

Date/Time: Monday, June 23rd, 2:00-2:50pm 

Topic/Skill: Listening, Transcribing Sentences, Lecture & Listening Activity, and Syllabus Review

Class Summary: 

    The professor, Mr. Ryan, began class by reviewing what prepositions to use when referring to the day. Then, he displayed the modules on Canvas to give a visual about the plan for class and the upcoming week. He used comprehensible input for his students' proficiency level, short, simple sentences with gestures and facial expressions. Mr. Ryan reviewed topics they discussed last week, including Juneteenth, and repeated essential sentences. 

    Following the overview of the class plan, the professor instructed students to get a pen and paper. He explained the transcription activity using simple directions and by typing them on the screen. He said each sentence three times, they were all related to the course material about Juneteenth from the previous week. Then, students decided whether the statement was true or false. Afterward, they discussed what parts of this activity were difficult. 

    Mr. Ryan described what a "syllabus" is and emphasized class expectations for the students. He displayed the syllabus on the board and highlighted essential information. He frequently invited students to ask for more information, questions, or help to understand the content. 

    The lecture activity was the start of their unit on "Health and Fitness". Mr. Ryan used various images of the gym, people exercising, and sports to activate the students' background knowledge on the topic. He asked questions, such as, What do you see?, What are they doing?, and Why are they doing exercise? Finally, the class listened to a short (3 minute) audio clip, while reading along, about the benefits of being healthy and active.

Lesson(s) on teaching you've learned: When working with beginning English-speakers, it is helpful to repeat important information, use Google Images to illustrate new vocabulary, and create an environment where students feel comfortable to commit errors and ask questions. Learning a new language takes vulnerability, and as a teacher, I need to respect that with sufficient wait time, responding to the class's energy, and making my speech clear and concise.


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