The end of the 310/316 term was today and we went out with a bang.  Here’s what shook down:

Lee & Shabtika’s Microteaching Presentation

Thanks to Lee and Shab for their tips on How to Decorate a Christmas Tree.  A very timely topic indeed.

Here’s a YouTube clip of the song that served as the lesson’s mental set / hook.  In this clip, Ernest interprets “Oh, Christmas Tree” while in the throes of saving Christmas.  There’ll be no confusion over the lyrics in this version, I swear:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ycfuj5y7qds[/youtube]

Shep’s Classroom Management Primer

Shep presented some ideas to consider as you hone your approach to managing a classroom.  In addition, he highlighted a few tried and true tactics that you can use during your 2-week prac.  Among them are:

• Setting clear expectations
• Using a clear signal for attention
• Wait time
• Proximity
• Developing a commanding teacher presence
• Monitoring and giving feedback

You can check out Shep’s PPT presentation in its entirety here (Please note that I had to modify the Slide Design on this presentation in order to shrink the file size from a inexplicably weighty 6.7 MB to a measly 304 KB, as the larger file would not upload to the blog):

Managing in Learning Environments

2-Week Practicum Unit Plan Due Date

The due date for your 2-week unit plan and the first 2 full lesson plans is Monday, 7 December 2009. Please email this draft version of your unit to your SA and FA on or before the due date.  Shep and I will read your unit and provide you with some feedback on it.

Enjoy your break.  We look forward to observing you teach on the 2-week prac in January.

– Lawrence