What is Microteach in Teacher Training?
Microteach, also known as micro teaching, is an effective teaching practise applied in teacher training programmes like our PTLLS course to assist learners to practise and demonstrate their teaching skills in a structured setting. It normally entails presenting a brief lesson to a limited number of peers, which enables the trainee teachers to rehearse planning, delivering and assessment techniques.
Primarily, micro teaching is meant to replicate an experience of a classroom on a small scale. It allows learners to concentrate on important aspects of teaching such as communication, interaction, and organisation. This makes it a crucial component of teaching awards, like the Level 3 Award in Education and Training.
Why is Micro Teaching Important in the AET Course?
Microteach is part of Module 2 of the AET course and offers practical experience that cannot be provided by theoretical learning. Learners can choose any topic of their choice, prepare and present a lesson practically. It enables the trainee teachers to practise teaching strategies, assess their knowledge, and develop confidence in the delivery of lessons.
At Excelon Learning, we have ensured that the learners are well equipped for this practical aspect making sure learners are able to acquire the necessary skills to attain success in a real teaching setting.
Microteaching Delivery Options for the Level 3 AET
Learners taking the Level 3 Award in Education and Training can choose any format of their choice to meet the microteach requirement. These formats are tailored to suit various learning settings. It allows all learners to have the opportunity to prove their teaching competencies.
Live Online Session - 15 min Delivery
A live online session via Teams platform is arranged periodically by Excelon Learning whereby 4 learners deliver their microteach session directly to a group to meet the 1 hr requirement. This includes actual learners, with an assessor observing the session in real time where each learner teaches for 15 minutes and then observes the microteach of other participants for the rest of the 45 minutes.
Approved Observer - 60 min Delivery
As a second option, learners can also choose an assessor from their own organisation to observe their micro teach delivery (1 hour) in case they do not wish to join the prearranged micro teach session with us. For this option, the assessor must be qualified and experienced to evaluate the session. Learners are also required to share supporting documents such as the mentor’s CV and teaching/asessment qualifications for approval.
Recorded Video Submission - 60 min Delivery
Learners may also choose to record their 1 hour micro teaching session and submit it. The recording can be shared through platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, Loom, or cloud storage services like Google Drive. Learners are required to submit an hour long video. Before submission, learners need to ensure that proper view access to the video is provided. This format allows learners to plan and deliver their session at their own convenient time and receive feedback via submission of video recording to their assessor.
Planning an Effective Micro Teaching Session
One of the aspects of an effective micro teaching session is planning. An effective plan will make the lesson organised, goal oriented, and objective based.
Planning also assists in time management and makes sure that the lesson includes all its major aspects since the lesson is covered within the limited duration of microteaching.
Setting Clear Learning Objectives
Clear learning objectives provide direction for the micro teaching session. They assist in defining what learners are supposed to accomplish at the end of the lesson. Clear goals also help to determine whether the session has been successful by making the evaluation easier.
Selecting Suitable Teaching Methods
It is important to select appropriate instructional methods to engage the learners. Approaches ought to be suitable for the subject and the requirements of learners. Application of diverse teaching strategies should facilitate and support various learning styles.
Managing Time
Micro teaching requires time management as the session lasts for a short period of time. The learners should thoroughly plan every step of the lesson so that every goal of the lesson is achieved.
Rehearsing the session may also aid in delivering the session within the required time.
Preparing Resources and Materials
Microteaching requires prior preparation of material. This involves making slides, hand outs or any other materials required in the lesson. Properly planned resources can help to make the teaching session more organised and effective.
Delivering with Confidence
Confidence is a major element required to deliver an effective micro teaching session. Trainee teachers should speak clearly, make eye contact, and engage with the learners during the lesson for successful lesson delivery.
Micro-teach Delivery Challenges and Solutions
Learners also face a variety of problems during their micro teaching session including nervousness, time management, or being unable to engage with learners. As daunting as these may sound, such problems are common and can be prevented through simple practice and preparation.
In order to overcome these challenges, learners are suggested and encouraged to practice their sessions, get feedback and work to strengthen their improvement areas. All in all, through constant effort, micro teaching becomes a worthwhile experience of learning that develops confidence and teaching capability.