During my ELC 101 and 102 observation courses, I had the opportunity to closely observe experienced teachers in real classroom settings. These experiences provided valuable insights into effective teaching strategies, classroom management and student engagement, which I later applied during my own teaching practice.
One of the key strategies I observed was the use of differentiated instruction. I saw how mentor teachers adjusted their teaching methods to meet diverse student needs. During my OJT, I applied this by incorporating various activities in my lesson plans such as group work, visual aids and individual tasks to accommodate different learning styles.
Another important takeaway was the importance of establishing clear routines and expectations. I noticed how successful teachers began each class with a warm greeting, an agenda and clear instructions. Inspired by this, I implemented a consistent structure in my own classes, which helped create a positive and organized learning environment.
I also learned the value of positive reinforcement. During my observations, teachers praised effort and improvement, not just correct answers. I applied this by providing encouraging feedback, which motivated students to participate more actively and confidently.
Overall, my experiences in ELC 101 and 102 greatly influenced my teaching style and prepared me to handle real classroom situations with more confidence and purpose.