ICELT Peer Observation Task 2 : Patterns of interaction.

Task Objective.

This task is concerned with how communication takes place in a classroom setting, and specifically

the patterns of interaction.

In this task you will collect data about how communication is realised in the classroom.

Procedure.

Before the lesson.

1. Arrange to observe a lesson.

2. Read this task.

During the lesson.

1. Draw up a seating plan including students names

2. Draw lines between the people who are speaking to each other. You may have to draw new

seating plans for different phases of the lesson (esp. if students move around a lot). Decide on

symbols to represent different kinds of interactions: for example, an arrowhead can indicate a

nominated question, a return arrowhead indicates a response.

Work out symbols for other kinds of interaction i.e. an open Question from the teacher; an

unprompted response from a student; students interacting in closed / open pairs; students interacting

undirected by the teacher; an unprompted question by a student etc. (For ideas see Woodward, T.

1989)

After the lesson.

1. Analyse the notes you have taken and make some summary statements of the overall patterns of

interaction. Discuss the lesson with the teacher you observed referring to the communication

patterns that emerged.

2. Which patterns of interaction would be the most conducive to or facilitate learning?

3. Much has been written about pair / group work. What advantages and disadvantages can you

see?

4. How 'natural' was the communication between the learners and between the learners and the

teacher?

5. Were there any instances of 'genuine communication' i.e. not prompted by the learning context.

Reflection.

Using this observed lesson as a mirror of your own teaching, what comments can you

make about the patterns of communication in your classes. Is there anything you would

want to change, experiment with, how could you go about doing so? What aspects

would you like to develop in the future?

Adapted by A. Navarro from ICELT Induction Pack – Centre’s Observation Tasks and Guidelines- (tasks originally designed by “International Training Institute” Istanbul & “Cultura Inglesa” –Brazil