PEER OBSERVATION REPORT 6 – THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Date: 23.05.13

Class: Intermediate

Level of class: B1

Observer’s name: Albedro Cadena

Teacher observed: Margarita Sandoval

Institution: IED Compartir

You should write between 100 and 200 words. This piece of writing is not assessed but it is an essential part of your portfolio. Use the following questions to help you evaluate the observation in terms of your own professional development. Continue on the other side of this page if necessary

Refer to the questions 2 to 5 and reflection in Classroom Observation Tasks page 61 to help you write the report.

The sixth peer observation helped me realize that a favourable learning environment can easily outweigh the physical limitations that teachers may encounter in their educational institutions. In my personal case, classrooms are generally spacious, well-equipped -with cutting edge aids and allow learners to seat comfortably. However, from time to time we may be assigned tiny rooms with large groups due to some space limitations we face in rush hours. I may have transmitted some discomfort about such situations in some of my classes. In contrast, by observing this teacher I noticed that she had successfully adapted her lesson to work under adverse conditions. This makes me think that I normally plan my lessons without taking into consideration some critical conditions, which instead, may turn into opportunities that favour the ambience in the classroom. Next time I work in a small room, I will take advantage to keep my attention evenly spread over all learners. I will have them work collaboratively and plan activities which require changing learner’s positions with moderate moves. I will also promote taking turns to speak so that everyone can be heard avoiding disruptive behaviours. Lastly, being closer to one another means having more opportunities to exchange views, increase attention span, learn and assist one another.

Comment [CC1]: Lovely

Comment [CC2]: Dear Albedro,

I really enjoyed reading your reflection. As you explained, there are some educators who have

difficult teaching conditions and they still manage to

teach wonderful lessons. I am glad you have acquired a wider view in order to

provide learners with a safe learning atmosphere in

which every student plays an active role within your lesson.

PEER OBSERVATION TASK No. 6 – THE LEARNING

ENVIRONMENT

Date: 23.05.13

Class: B1

Level of class:

Observer’s name: Albedro Cadena

Teacher observed: Margarita Sandoval

Institution: IED Compartir

For this task you should consult: Classroom Observation Tasks. Pages 58 - 61

Wajnryb, R. (1992) Cambridge University Press.

3.1a Affective factors in the learning environment (from Wajnryb, 1992: 60)

Factor / item Memory jog

The room is too small to work with 43 students.

Classmates took turns to speak.

The teacher managed to observe all of the learners.

Learners stayed on task and did not end up talking about other non-related topics.

Learners worked individually, with the partner next to, and with their pair next to. They did not need to move around much.

Some doubts and questions were solved by classmates nearby and far away (though no one was far away).

Learners used the corners of the room to show their presentations and rotated to check other groups’.

Allow all learners to be closer

Collaborative work was enhanced

Attention was spread

Higher rapport

Learners seemed more united.

Time was managed effectively.

3.1b Graph of student's concentration pattern over 12 minutes (from Wajnryb, 1992: 60)

high

c o n c e n t r a t I o n

low

3 6 minutes 9 12

Time

3.1c Categorise (from Wajnryb, 1992: 61)

A B C D

Physical conditions Small room Appropriate ventilation Good lightning

Teacher’s behaviour Shows a positive attitude. Avoids having learners move or advance in a long distance. Promotes group work with nearby peers.

Patterns of interaction T-S S-T S-S S-S-S S-S-S-S Ss-Ss

Student’s response Highly participative Highly motivated Willing to assist their peers