Before I had my first-hand experience in teaching a class in VRU Demonstration School, I had several class observations in the Grade 7 level. Through these observations, I was able to realize and know about EDUTAINMENT - which means education plus entertainment. These two things are important when teaching at the Demonstration School as this is the strategy that most teachers use in order to capture the attention of the students and make them learn more effectively. Through these observations, I was able to combine the teaching strategies that I use in the Philippines and those strategies I've learned through observing.
TEACHING IN CLASS
At first, I was really nervous because of the possible language barrier. I was afraid that my students would not understand what I'm trying to teach them. However, I was so happy to find out how much they understand me and was even glad during my teaching time.Â
I also made use of the strategies that I use in the Philippines in teaching my students too. Whenever I teach, I make sure to have an activity first before proceeding to the main discussion and topic for that day. Through this, I was able to see and gauge how much knowledge does my students have about our topic for that day. I let them recite or even stand up to write their answers in the board.
I had the opportunity to teach 1/3 and 1/4 which are both grade 7 students. Before proceeding with the main topic, I also let the students know the learning targets for that day so that they would have an idea on what skills are needed to be developed during the discussion of the topic. After letting them know the learning targets, I would proceed with the discussion of the topic, and of course in between those discussions, I have to check if they are still listening so I taught them a "clap" which can tell me if they really understand what I was discussing or they find it challenging that I need to reexplain the things that I've said. After the discussion, I always make sure to provide and give my students an activity in order for me to see how much they have learned about the topic for that day and to also see the parts that they find quite challenging and still need more elaboration about it.