The Structured Cycle of Micro Teaching
Micro teaching is not a random activity; it follows a rigorous, scientifically structured procedure. For educators, understanding this cycle is essential for passing professional pedagogy exams like those conducted by the PPSC or NTS. The process is designed to ensure that every trainee has the opportunity to learn, perform, receive feedback, and improve. Below is the standard procedure followed in most teacher-training institutions in Pakistan.
Key Phases of the Procedure
The process begins with the Explanation of the Skill. Before any teaching occurs, the trainee must understand the specific skill they are practicing. This involves learning about the component behaviors and the objectives of the skill. Once the skill is defined, the expert provides a Demonstration. This could be a live performance by a mentor or a video recording, serving as a model for the trainee to emulate.
The Planning and Teaching Sessions
After the demonstration, the trainee enters the Plan-session. Here, they prepare a micro-lesson plan designed to demonstrate the specific skill. This plan is short, usually lasting only 5 to 10 minutes. Once prepared, the trainee moves to the Teach-session. They teach the lesson to a small group of 5-10 peers or students. During this time, the expert observer records the performance, noting down specific behaviors for later analysis.
Feedback and Re-planning
The Discussion (Feedback session) is the most critical phase of the procedure. The expert discusses the observations with the trainee, highlighting strengths and identifying areas where the lesson could be more effective. This feedback is essential for the trainee’s growth. Following the feedback, the trainee enters the Re-plan phase. They restructure their lesson based on the expert's advice, incorporating the suggested improvements to better demonstrate the skill.
The Importance of the Re-Teach Cycle
The procedure does not end with the first feedback session. The trainee then performs a Re-teach session, where they deliver the updated lesson to a new group (or the same group). This is followed by a Re-feedback session. This cycle continues until the trainee has achieved a satisfactory level of mastery in the chosen skill. For B.Ed students, mastering this cycle is a core requirement for their practical assessments.
Conclusion for Competitive Aspirants
For those preparing for teaching exams, remember that the micro teaching procedure is designed to build confidence through repeated success. It is a methodical approach that transforms the daunting task of teaching into a series of achievable goals. By following this procedure, you are not just learning how to teach; you are learning how to reflect on your practice and continuously improve. This commitment to professional development is exactly what examiners look for in candidates.
Authoritative References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the 'Plan-session'?
The Plan-session is where the trainee prepares a short, focused lesson plan specifically designed to demonstrate a single teaching skill.
Why is the re-planning phase so important in micro teaching?
The re-planning phase allows the trainee to incorporate expert feedback, ensuring that the second attempt at the lesson is more effective and refined.
What happens during the 'Teach-session'?
During the Teach-session, the trainee delivers their micro-lesson to a small group of students while an expert observes and records their performance.
Is the micro teaching cycle limited to one attempt?
No, the cycle of teaching, feedback, and re-teaching is repeated until the trainee demonstrates mastery of the specific skill.