Class Discussion/Speaking
Faculty Member Observed: Ms. Joanne Dawson Observer: Ms. Basma Abdulla
Class Observed: Foundations Level 1 Date and Time of Class: 8:30 10:10, 5th November, 2014
I think that something Joanne could share with others is the grouping idea having numbered
cards that are color coded, where first students sit together with other members who have the
same colored card in one group, and then for partner work students had to find a partner who
had the same number printed on the back of their card. That was a completely efficient way of
using the same card to contain two activities.
4) How did the physical surroundings or environment of the class session affect the
learning experience, if at all? Grouping students allowed them to easily complete tasks,
and easily find partners to sit next to. The dynamics of the classroom had completely changed
than when they had rows of seats and tables. I feel like surrounding encouraged the students
to work together in a group and as partners, as they were facing each other in a circle and had
to participate in the sessions together without having to move around too much.
5) Other comments or observations:
I really enjoyed the way she grouped students using the colored number cards. I like that for
this activity she did not lose too much time with technology, and they started right at the
activity. One thing I discussed with my mentor and colleagues is how I can use technology only
when it enhances the activity, as sometimes problems with equipment takes away from the
value of the activity if it is time consuming or defeats the purpose of the activity. In this case I
saw a class do perfectly well and achieve all the outcomes with minimal use of technology, and
it was very efficient and fast.