During my teaching observation alongside my cooperating teacher, I had the chance to delve into and assess her teaching methodology. The observed teaching approach comprised an initial explanation by the teacher utilizing a source book, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session and practical exercises. The teacher carried out all the instructional activities to deliver the material.
In the course of teaching, a fundamental instructional technique involves the direct conveyance of information from the teacher to the students. In this particular classroom, the teacher adeptly blended traditional lectures with interactive questions and answers. These questions were thoughtfully designed to stimulate the critical thinking abilities of the students, fostering active participation and enhancing their comprehension of the subject matter.
Those activities mostly used a teacher-centered approach where all the students followed what had been instructed by the teacher. A teacher-centered learning environment is one in which the teacher is the expert in charge of imparting knowledge to students via lectures or direct instruction. The focus is primarily on the instructor, who chooses the topics and talks while the students listen. The teacher monitors and corrects student work as needed, and evaluates students’ performance and evidence of learning. Aside from that, the teacher also combined a teacher-centered approach with student centered-approach where the activities in the classroom were focused on the students. At that time, the activities conducted by the teacher encouraged students to actively participate in the class. The teacher conducted the activities where the students needed to perform in the classroom in terms of practicing some dialogue and reading passages. The teacher in the classroom frequently provided practice questions to assess the students' comprehension and gauge the development of their abilities. These questions were valuable tools to evaluate the students' progress, helping the teacher tailor future lessons to address specific areas of improvement.
This versatile teaching method not only accommodated various learning styles but also cultivated an engaging and interactive learning environment. By incorporating lectures, interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world applications, the instructor established a classroom ambiance where education was more than just conveying information—it was a transformative encounter. This comprehensive teaching approach emphasizes the significance of cultivating a balanced educational experience that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a sincere enthusiasm for learning in students.