Evaluation #1
Date: September 25, 2018
Dean, Fernando Camou, evaluated my EXS 101 class on September 25, 2018.
To utilize the 75 minute class period, I planned both a lecture covering new content and a review activity for an upcoming exam. The first half of the class was spent learning about flexibility using a power point presentation with guided notes, demonstrations, and class discussions. The second half of the class was spent doing an activity where the students worked in collaborative groups to review course competencies. To increase student engagement and make learning fun, the activity included a competition among groups.
Outcome: By the end of today’s lesson, the students will be able to evaluate a flexibility program using the researched based flexibility guidelines.
Learning Objectives:
1. Define flexibility
2. Identify the physiological benefits of flexibility
3. Experiment with different methods of flexibility training
4. Explain the value of assessing your future clients and patients
5. Apply the flexibility guidelines
Lesson: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1EFJtPsK4g4nj1W_JcxHni1NrY9r555GoEpK39HqsacM/edit?usp=sharing
Check for understanding and Review Activity: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XdCDpVxvJbhlk0V2PgSSB-L3WYjMFVRk3OtsOpU79uM/edit?usp=sharing
Student Handout:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mv-kaevWUoBM25M3VJavAmMM5Z3EdEaRwQpdTyoakss/edit?usp=sharing
During our follow up meeting, Dr. Camou had very positive things to say about my lesson, the high level of student engagement, and the positive classroom environment. His comments on the formal evaluation form were also very positive. He scored my interaction with students to encourage critical thinking and learning, enthusiasm for teaching, and preparation and organization as exceptional. I strive to prepare quality lessons, promote critical thinking, and show my enthusiasm, so I was really pleased that he acknowledged those areas.
Dr. Camou scored the academic atmosphere and command of the subject matter as acceptable, but the comments were positive. "The classroom atmosphere was pleasant, interactive and appropriate for learning. She was obviously knowledgeable about the material presented today and provided pertinent and appropriate recommendations on what to do and not to do." Since the comments were positive and did not include suggestions for improvement, I asked Dr. Camou how I can improve in these areas. He told me that I was doing a great job. It would be helpful to know exactly what I did or didn't do that prevented me exceeding in these areas, so I can make the changes needed to improve myself and exceed the expectations in the future.
Dr. Camou scored the method of presentation and time spent criteria as needs improvement. Dr. Camou stated that the first half of my class (the lecture on new content) was effective and efficient, and the low marks were due to the review activity we did during the second half of class. While I believe the activity was educational and engaging, I understand where he was coming from. There are ways that I could have reviewed the material in a shorter period of time. The collaboration and competition added to the time, but it also increased student engagement and participation. My students were on task and actively engaged in the activity. I do not do this type of activity often, so I believe the extra time it took was worth the increase in student engagement. In the future, to respect class time, I will utilize a variety of activities to reach my instructional goals and meet the needs of my students.
For the criteria of responds to students with encouragement and constructive feedback, Dr. Camou rated my performance as needs improvement. The comment stated, "When answering students' questions, she acknowledged the student that it was a good question, answered the questions and went on to provide more details for a better understanding." I believe that comment is positive, so I asked Dr. Camou for clarification. He stated that he wants me to open the floor for questions more frequently. This surprised me because it is very important to me that my students feel comfortable asking questions. I tell my students that if they are even slightly confused to speak up and that their question will help their classmates. Dr. Camou's feedback inspired me to add question slides into my lesson presentations to guarantee that I do take time to seek questions often. I want my students to have the opportunities and encouragement they need to ask questions and enhance their understanding.
A suggestion Dr. Camou provided was, "Have you considered doing some sort of individual assessment?" I believe individual assessments are critical because they help me guide instruction and identify areas where my students need additional support. While my students did not complete an individual assessment on the day of the evaluation, I do individual assessments regularly. The review activity we did in class the day of the evaluation was to help prepare my students for an upcoming individual assessment.
Evaluation #2
Date: January 31, 2019
Dean Chuck Jeffery, evaluated my EXS 101 class on January 31, 2019. I was really nervous when we scheduled the evaluation for so early in the semester because I would still be in the process of building rapport, establishing procedures, and getting to know my students. Fortunately, by the time Mr. Jeffery came in, I knew all of my students' names and we were in a good routine.
The day that Mr. Jeffery's evaluation was scheduled, the lesson was learning anatomical directions and planes of motion. I provided guided notes to help my students organize all of the definitions and tried to make the lesson as interactive as possible to minimize boredom and help my students understand the new terms and abstract planes.
Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Jwubnt82w-sTrTyBFT4KzkzJ2VBrnzNyVnnTdRAd3Fc/edit?usp=sharing
Guided Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gE0CyDe7uAvjAhDK-IpIXoSA5tHFW7Jbxk2KOu90f70/edit?usp=sharing
I was really pleased with the feedback that Mr. Jeffery provided because he acknowledged that my students were engaged and thinking critically, which is something that I really strive for. He also provided positive feedback on the classroom atmosphere, my enthusiasm, the organization of the lecture, my content knowledge, and the cooperative interactions. He said, "The interaction between students and students, students and instructor was the best I have witnessed this year." I am so pleased that he believes there are positive and collaborative interactions in my classroom.
In the feedback, Mr. Jeffery commented on the inclusion of postural distortions in my lesson. I completely agree with him that postural distortions do not fit seamlessly in this lesson. When I was preparing the lesson, I questioned the placement of that content. I am going to look into finding a place where that material fits better or find a more effective way to transition within the lesson.