Good
Pass
Application
Trainer’s notes
The account demon-
strates the methodology
of using the ideas of
the seven modules of
the Program in own
teaching practice.
The teacher have accomplished the tasks listed in the manual
«School-based tasks » relevant to the content of the account.
The teacher expresses his own opinion on one or another idea
of the Program.
The teacher explains how and why he used this or that idea his
teaching practice.
The account demon-
strates the reflection
on the lesson from
different perspectives.
In his lesson, the teacher differentiated teacher and students’
activity, thought over the ways to differentiate and evaluate the
students during the lesson, gave time at different stages of a lesson
in accordance with the recommendations of the SMART acronym.
The teacher pointed out the type of a discussion used in the
class to assist dialogical teaching.
In his lesson plan the teacher notes the questions he asks in the class.
The teacher points the resources used in the classroom.
Learning aims and
objectives formulated
in accordance with the
SMART acronym.
Learning aims and objectives concise and specific.
The teacher refers to SMART acronym - the abbreviation used for
setting learning aims and objectives, introduced in 1981 by George
Doran. Acronym SMART is based on a set of adjectives that, in the
opinion of the author, should describe learning aims and objectives
- S pecific
- M easurable
- A ttainable
- R ealistic
- T imed
S pecific - when formulating learning objectives, the teacher
uses the verbs in the future tense in accordance with Bloom’s
Taxonomy and Bloom’s Wheel.
M easurable - the learning objective can be measured by one
of the assessment methods.
A ttainable – the learning outcomes is clearly obvious for the
teacher and a student by a definite time period.
R ealistic – the learning objectives can be reached by the
students during a planned period of time.
T imed - the learning objectives are limited by a certain
period of time (usually by the time of a lesson).
In the reflective account of my Colleague C I saw an example
of formulating the learning objectives of the lesson: «The
goal was to learn how to solve problems on construction,
that is, learn how to build a triangle without divisions using
a ruler and a caliper, on the specified elements, to analyze
the construction and prove that the resulting figure satisfies
the condition». From this example, I can clearly see what the
children will be able to demonstrate by the end of the lesson.
Moreover, I see that the teacher used Bloom’s taxonomy when
planning the learning outcomes and the learning objectives
include development both the skills of low and high order.
There is a lot of valid
evidence of teacher and
students’ learning.
Valid evidence are those which prove the realization of a
definite learning objective.
In the example of me Colleague B’s reflective account,
you can find such a phrase: «... At the end of the lesson the
students knew the structure, classification and the functions of
carbohydrates and fats ... Students with low motivation became
interested in the lesson, there was intrinsic motivation». At
this point the teacher completed his discourse on the learning
outcomes of students. Do these sentences convince you?
For me, as a trainer, those common phrases do not carry any
meaning. In the given report, I have not found any evidence
of that «at the end of the lesson, students knew the structure,
classification and the functions of carbohydrates and fats».
What wording should the teacher use to give examples of his
evidence of the learning outcomes? In my opinion, the results
of a written questionnaire, which clearly traced students’
responses could convince me. And I’m glad that after the
formative assessment of the reflective account, my Colleague
had made some positive changes in his wording.
Good
Pass
Reflection
Trainer’s notes
The work is of
analytical matter.
In his account the teacher analyzes the situation, but not just
describes it.
In the account of my Colleague A one can find the following
example: «The next lesson I decided to pair them (students)
in the following way: weak ability students with strong ability
ones to ensure that they would work in the following way:
firstly, a strong student explains the way he solves a task to
a weaker one. Then, on the contrary, a strong student needs
to listen. I did so because I suppose the process of mutual
learning will help a weak child to obtain confidence, because
«students learn more easily when there is an opportunity
for a dialogue with others classmates, who play the role of
more knowledgeable ones» (Handbook for Teacher,p.155))».
In my view, this is a good example of reflection where
the teacher shows that he has analyzed the situation in his
classroom, was able to identify the problem and outlined ways
to solve it and predicted the expected result of his actions.
The work contains
answers
to
such
questions
as
why
something happened/
did not happen?
The teacher expresses his view points on the questions given,
supporting his opinion with theoretical knowledge and
practical examples.
In the paper there
are
findings
and
conclusions.
The findings and conclusions that the teacher makes at the
end of the reflective account coincide with the topic of the
account and resume it.
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73
The author’s points of
view is clearly traced.
The account gives a clear vision of the author’s
position
in
relation
to
the
topic
covered.
In example below, think whether you can get an idea of what
my Colleague C means when using a term – a gifted child.
«However, in my opinion, a gifted child - is not just a kid
who has extraordinary abilities ... and who needs education
and training in a specialized school, but also anyone who
is taught at secondary schools, is potentially gifted, that
is, has the possibility to achieve good results in learning».
To me, the mentioned definition presents clearly the position
of my Colleague C towards the students of his class - each
student in her class is considered to be potentially gifted and
able to achieve positive results in learning.
The paper contains
plans for future actions.
The
author
outlines
future
plans
for
working
within
the
topic
of
the
account.
Together, let us reflect on the plans of my Colleague B: «My
mistake was that I did not give detailed instructions on how the
task should be performed, so the second group did not cope with
the job completely. In the future, I will consider it carefully,
and then I think the lesson will be even more productive».
Do you understand exactly what the teacher
will do to avoid a similar situation in the future?
Let’s think what kind of semantic meaning contains
the phrase. As a reader, I clearly understand that the
teacher has identified the problem, «did not give
clear instructions», but the answer to the question:
“What I will do in the future?” is the phrase: “I will consider it
carefully.” In your opinion, is this the answer? I immediately
have a question, what do you mean by “I will consider”?
What exactly will you do in order your instructions to be
comprehensive?
I think in this case, the teacher should identify specific
strategies to address the problem. For example, give written
instructions to the task in order the students could always
have them in front of their eyes or ask students to discuss the
instructions for a minute and confirm that they understand the
task, etc.
Recommendations to:
Reflective account on participating in a collaborative presentation
I suggest, when writing preparing this report, to consider the following
recommendations:
• Give a name to your reflective account. For this you may have a look at the
exemplary content portfolio («School-based tasks»).
• Try to answer the following questions: Why have I decided to reflect specifically
on the chosen group presentation? Why do I consider important the realization
of the ideas discussed in the group? Have I substantiated my point of view in
response to the previous two questions?
• What were my own ideas that I wanted to convey to my colleagues during the
discussion? Why did I express those ideas? What were the goals I pursued? What
did I want colleagues to learn from what I intended to say?
• Did I refer to any research evidence when stating my point of view during the
discussion? Why did I choose that literature?
• How did my colleagues respond to my ideas? What issues were discussed?
• Who was the speaker of our group? Why?
• What was the reaction of my colleagues after the presentation? What comments
did they express? What positive aspects did a my colleagues point out? What
were the recommendations? What were the questions? What feedback did we
get from our trainer? Did I agree with everything said? Why? Was the received
feedback useful? Why?
• Make a conclusion about the work done: what have you learned in the course of
work?
• Make sure that your report meets three criteria: knowledge, application, analysis
(reflection).
Recommendations to the reflective account on
the implementation of changes in own practice of teaching and learning
In opinion of the trainer and her trainees, when working on this account, the following
recommendations should be taken into consideration:
• Consider the levels at which there were changes: have you changed personally?
How and why? Have your approaches to teaching and learning changed? How
and why? Have you changed your attitude to your students? How and why? Have
there been any changes in the relationship with students’ parents? Have you made
any changes at the school level? Have the changes gone beyond your own school?
• You may use a cluster, which helps to stay focused when writing the account. For
example:
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75
Thinking about changes
Levels
Students
Teacher himself
School
What has changed?
How has it
changed?
Why has it
changed?
What is the
evidence of the
changes?
Pic. 1
Recommendations on the account on
the implementation the ideas of one module of the Program when planning
a sequence of lessons
Perhaps, the answers to the following questions might be useful when writing this
account:
• Why have I chosen this module? Why do I consider important the realization of
the ideas of this module? Have I substantiated my point of view in response to the
previous two questions?
• What are my learning outcomes for this module? How will I apply this knowledge
into my practice?
• What literature regarding to the ideas of this module have I analyzed? Have I
included references to the theoretical data in my account? Have I expressed my
own opinion on the listed theoretical material?
• Have I given practical examples relating to the ideas of this module? Have I
considered what went well during my practice? Have I reflected on what still
needs improving? Have I had any obstacles in realization of the ideas of the
module? Why? How am I going to overcome these obstacles in the future?
• What do I plan for the future in relation to the work within this module? What do
I want to improve in my practice?
• What conclusions have I made when studying and practically applying the ideas
of this module?
Recommendations to the report on one lesson out of the sequence
When writing this report, I recommend to pay attention to the following:
• Give a name to your reflective account. For this you may have a look at the
exemplary content portfolio («School-based tasks»).
• Consider whether you need to specify a class, age, number of students and the
duration of the lesson you are writing about?
• Try to transform your account into an essay, not a report. For this, avoid traditional
dry phrases in the beginning of the account, for example: THEME, OBJECTIVES,
EQUIPMENT. Transform these words into text, filled with meaning. Perhaps the
answers to the following questions might help: why was such a goal set? why was
such equipment chosen?
• Consider, what is it, in your opinion, the most important in the lesson? What is
this? Why is that? Do you mention the answer to this question in your account?
• Think whether you are mentioning the learning outcomes of your lesson in the
reflective account that you are writing? Have the learning aims and objectives
been achieved? How did you realize that you have achieved them? What is your
evidence? Is the evidence valid? Do the learning outcomes relate to the learning
aims and objectives of the lesson?
• Consider the learning aims and objectives of the lesson: do they fit the acronym
SMART? i.e. whether they are precise, measurable, achievable at this particular
lesson?
• Constantly answer the Why? question. What happened after you have done
something? What has changed? Why did it happen (didn’t happen)? How did you
react to these changes? Why did you react in that way? What do you plan to do
in the future? Why?
• The account should include analysis and evaluation - that means your own opinion
regarding to a particular situation. Make sure that your paper contains such words
as: I think so ...., I consider this... because ...., I believe that...., In my opinion…,
etc.
• DO NOT BE AFRAID to write in simple language!
• DO NOT BE AFRAID to write in the smallest details!
• DO NOT BE AFRAID to write about your mistakes! On the contrary, show that
you see them, realize that they present in your teaching practice and you know
how to overcome them!
• Remember that plagiarism is prosecuted by the law!
I hope that the explanations and recommendations offered in the framework of this
chapter will help you when working on your reflective accounts, and the examples of my
colleagues’ reflection will contribute into development of your own reflective thinking.
Good luck, dear colleagues!
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77
RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO PREPARE PRESENTATIONS
Dear colleagues,
I hope that the following tips will help you:
• to understand what is meant by a presentation in the context of the level Program;
• to make a good presentation speech;
• to get acquainted with the assessment criteria for presentations developed by the
trainer and her trainees.
In accordance with the Program of the training courses for the teachers of the
Republic of Kazakhstan (Handbook for Teacher, p.204), the course participants on the third
(basic) level must submit the following reflective accounts for going through the assessment
process:
Name of the file
Name of the presentation
Presentstions
9) Presentation on the sequence of lessons within a medium-term planning
10) Presentation on the integration of the ideas of one module of the
Program into the sequence of lessons (the theme of the module in
the presentation must differ from the theme chosen for the reflective
account)
11) Presentation of the reflection of one lesson out of sequence
12) Presentation on what changes have been made in your teaching practice
and how you have managed those changes
Working with my trainees, I had the opportunity to formatively and summatively
assess their presentations, and these are the conclusions I came to. I found out that teachers
tend to make the following errors when making a presentation speech:
1. teachers tend to describe rather than analyze the situation, i.e. speak much
about how something happened, but do not answer the question why something
happened (or didn’t happen);
2. teachers present anything but not what was required in the presentation;
3. teachers talk about anything, but not about the topic of the presentation;
4. teachers are not focused, jump from one topic to another;
5. teachers «pour the water», i.e. do not stick to the point or deviate from the subject
of their account, use vague, not specific phrases;
6. teachers do present valid and relevant evidence of learning outcomes;
7. teachers do not prepare a written text of their presentation speech;
8. teachers do not fit in time;
9. teachers are afraid that they might tell something wrong, demonstrate lack of
confidence;
10. teachers speak quietly, not confidently;
11. teachers do not interact with the audience, make the audience bored.
At first, I need to mention that by a presentation I stipulate – speaker’s speech accompanied
by presentation slides usually made by means of software Microsoft Power Point. In my opinion,
one should begin preparing for the presentation from writing the presentation speech, because,
unfortunately, not many of us can relate themselves to efficient speakers. However, using simple
rules when preparing a speech, as well as systematic training can turn you into a first-class speaker!
In connection with what has already been said, I offer you a number of recommendations
for the preparation and presentation of your speech, as well as some guidance on how to
prepare Power Point slides. The guidelines in this chapter were developed by the trainer and
her trainees when being on the courses of the third basic level, and also based on the books
of practicing psychologists Steve Allen (1988) «How to make a speech» and Joan Detz
(2002) «How to write and give a speech» and include answers to the following questions :
• How to prepare an effective speech?
• What to consider when creating presentation slides?
• How to behave during a presentation?
How to prepare an effective speech?
Dear colleagues,
I’m sure that from the table below, it is obvious that in many cases the topic of the
reflective account coincides with the topic of the presentation. That is why, a reflective
account, written in accordance with the guidelines from the previous chapter, can serve as
a basis for the teacher’s presentation speech.
Name of the reflective account
Name of the presentation
А – Reflection on how and why one theme was
integrated into the lesson sequence
Presentation on the integration of the ideas of
one module of the Program into the sequence of
lessons (the theme of the module in the presen-
tation must differ from the theme chosen for the
reflective account)
В1- One medium term planning of the se-
quence of four lessons indicating how the seven
themes of the Modules were integrated
Presentation on the sequence of lessons within
a medium-term planning
В2 - One reflective account on a lesson from
the sequence
Presentation of the reflection of one lesson out
of sequence
В3 – Reflection on collaborative presentation
in relation to the school based tasks
С –One reflective account of the complete les-
son sequence demonstrating how changes to
teaching and learning were led and managed
Presentation on what changes have been made
in your teaching practice and how you have
managed those changes
Perhaps, when working on the presentation speech, the following tips might help you:
• Think about what is the main purpose of your speech? What is the key idea (ideas)
you want to convey to the audience?
• State very clearly to yourself, what it is you want to convey to the audience as
part of your speech. Will you agree if I say that each of us has a lot to say, and if
given an opportunity, we could talk for hours? :) To avoid that, always remember
and adhere to the theme of your presentation. The desire to «pour water» is not
welcome, and creates the impression that you have nothing to say on the suggested
topic, or you are not ready for the presentation.
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• Write your speech - from the start to the end. Reread it. Show to your colleague.
Ask him to ask you questions and give his opinion on the content of the speech.
Practice the speech. Note the time and make sure that you keep within the time
limits.
• Make sure that your presentation speech includes a beginning, body, and
conclusion. Make sure that every word of your speech has a meaning - otherwise,
why is it in your speech?
• Prepare a plan for your speech or cards with key words that will help you to
gather your thoughts if necessary.
• If necessary, prepare a handout to demonstrate the audience your evidence of
school practice.
• Practice your speech - take a marker or a pencil and make notes during the trial
presentation.
• Try to write your presentation on video. Watch the video and assess yourself
critically, paying attention to the voice, tone, and the tempo of speech, sign
language.
• Before the performance, predict what questions the audience might ask. Think
about whether you can confidently answer them.
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