Online Microteach Reflection

Microteaching is a valuable tool for aspiring teachers to hone their craft in a safe and controlled environment. By breaking down teaching scenarios into smaller, more manageable segments, teachers can focus on specific skills and receive targeted feedback to improve their overall teaching abilities. I recently conducted an online microteaching lesson on potential and kinetic energy with a group of Grade 7 learners, and it was an enriching experience. Here’s a look back at what went well, the obstacles I encountered, and how this experience will shape my future teaching practice.

The lesson was a big success in terms of learners engagement and participation. I used a PowerPoint presentation to explain the theoretical concepts, and it worked well to convey the key ideas. To bring the lesson to life, I included an online simulation featuring a skater, which illustrated the concepts of potential and kinetic energy in a way that was easy for learners to visualize and understand. This mix of visual aids and interactive content kept students interested and attentive throughout the session. Frequent Q & A sessions also confirmed that they were grasping the material, which showed me that the learning objectives had been achieved.

While the lesson went smoothly overall, I did face some challenges. Time management turned out to be my biggest hurdle. I had planned to include an online quiz during the lesson using Genially, but due to time constraints, I had to assign it as homework instead. Although this was not ideal, it allowed learners to engage with the material at their own pace. Another minor issue was a typo in one of my slides, which I only caught at the end of the lesson. It served as a reminder of the importance of double-checking materials before going live. Fortunately, it did not cause much confusion, but it is something I will be more mindful of in the future.

Despite the challenges, I am happy to say that the lesson met all its learning objectives. Learners not only understood the difference between potential and kinetic energy but also grasped their relationship within mechanical systems. The online simulation played a crucial role in bridging theory and practice, helping learners visualize how energy works in real-world contexts. Their responses during Q & A sessions confirmed that they were on track and comprehended the material.

The ICT tools I used were well-suited for this online lesson. PowerPoint gave structure to my presentation, allowing me to clearly outline the key concepts. The online simulation was the highlight, offering a dynamic and interactive way for learners to explore the principles of energy using a relatable scenario. Genially was a perfect fit for the quiz, providing a fun and engaging way for learners to assess their understanding. Even though it had to be completed as homework, it still served its purpose well.

This experience underscored the importance of preparation and flexibility in an online teaching environment. Things like poor connectivity or timing issues can disrupt a lesson, so having a backup plan is essential. In future lessons, I will allocate more time for activities like quizzes and interaction to avoid feeling rushed. Another key takeaway is the need to do thorough review of small errors, so I will make sure to carefully proofread my materials before teaching.

Moving forward, I will use feedback from peers and mentors to improve the flow and pacing of my lessons. This reflection process is invaluable for fine tuning my teaching strategies and ensuring that learners stay engaged and on track. I have learned that feedback is one of the most powerful tools for growth. After reflecting on suggestions from peers, mentors, and students, I plan to adjust how I deliver content and manage time in future lessons. Whether teaching online or in a traditional classroom setting, I will continue using feedback to refine my approach, helping learners achieve even better outcomes.

This online microteaching lesson was a valuable experience, and I am excited to apply these lessons to my future teaching practice!