I have included here my observations from my school visit and my visit letter.
For this project I spent my time at Tiisetsong Secondary School in Thokoza, Eastrand. It is a public school I attended and it is situated in my community. I spent 3 hours in a Grade 12 Mathematics revision class and two days observing a Grade 8 and Grade 9 class.
When I arrived at Tiisetsong I requested to make my report on a Mathematics class and was directed to Mr Masha who is the head of department for Mathematics who allocated me to Mrs Mavuso who is a Grade 8 and Grade 9 Mathematics teacher under the Headmaster Mrs C Mphafudi’s acceptance.
During my time at Tiisetsong I realized that teachers use many strategies in the classroom to accommodate everyone so that no one gets left behind. For most of my time there the teachers used direct instruction as the preferred method of teaching. For most of the day the teacher lectures their class, feeding them knowledge verbally, while making notes on the board and conveying their ideas in writing, this was mainly because the school was out of paper and could not make copies nor print. This was disappointing, even though this was the case it also did not affect learning the children seemed to be used to what was happening as the lessons continued and the students understood as the lesson was a very teacher-centred method but great for teaching learners skills that have to be built up step-by-step in mathematics and grammar. Indirect instruction is often encouraged after learners receive direct instruction and have absorbed a lot of information. An indirect teaching strategy is a very leaners-centred strategy. Students are encouraged to inquire on their own, do research, and learn to solve problems inductively and effectively on their own. The teacher act as facilitator for learning and recognises that no two learners are alike. Mrs. Mavuso provided reading material for Iearners but did not teach the learners on the content. She guided the learners with questions that will get them on the right track and observed their process of gathering and presenting new information. Indirect instruction help learners to express themselves and interpret information in their own way.
Interactive instruction evolved helped a lot of learners into working together with the teacher. Interactive methods include debates, interviews, roleplaying and oral assignments. During my time there the learners were preparing their projects, which included making a cartoon, each student seemed determined to get it done and present it to the class. Mrs. Mavuso had divided the class into groups of five and asked them to research different cartons and shapes and allocated each group a certain shaped cartoon to make. The groups were formed randomly which may be optimal as learners will often choose their friends. Separating friends encouraged individualily, responsibility and more conducive to learning in Mrs Mavuso’s class room.
Learning strategies
Excellency is meant to be awarded, by giving credit where needed we usually encourage learners to continue doing their best. This does not imply that teachers should bribe their students or give them material goods, offering a student more opportunities to succeed or expressing your pride and appreciation can be enough make a student pleased with their achievements than always giving credit to one specific learner who ace the whole class every time. Creativity is important in a learner, being given a chance to show the class a new method to work-out an equation allows them to process and articulate new ideas in ways to help them understand their own understanding. It helps them understand others and compare themselves to their peers. Another way to make learning fun is by making learning practical. Students will remember and value the information you give them if you reveal how knowledge can make a real difference to the students’ personal life.
No comments:
Post a Comment