Maram Mostafa Assignment 4 CELTA 2017

Me and teaching

a) No one can deny how hectic this intensive course is, but it is a step worth taking. The input
sessions along with the TP feedback sessions have changed lots of my previous bad teaching habits.
The Input session gave me ideas about different teaching techniques such as TTT, guided discovery,
how to stage receptive skill based lesson, how to teach systems…etc. On the other hand, the teaching
practice sessions let me try my hand at applying what I have been taught to get immediate feedback
from my tutors to master the technique. My tutors have told me that I am flexible and eager to learn
because I am working on my action points.

b) What have you learned about good teaching practice from the observation of
your tutors and other experienced teachers?

I have learned many useful teaching practices while observing other experienced teachers and
tutors’ demo lessons such as:

 How to elicit TL from students (using visuals, realia, situations…)

 Different ways to show word stress: clapping/ draw (squares/ circles) over the vowels of the
stressed syllable/ using coloured markers / use fingers to indicate the stressed syllable.
 How to model pronunciation and drill (chorally, open pair, close pair then individually).
 Using music effectively in class to create a lively learning atmosphere.
 Introducing the idea of live listening in class.
 Using the guided discovery technique to present a grammar lesson.
 Asking effective CCQs to check understanding of meaning and form.

c) My colleagues on the course.

At the beginning, we had difficulty to accept peer-reflections; however, our tutors

used different techniques: (2 kisses and 2 kicks), giving the feedback in the form of questions
and answers or advice. These techniques made it easy for all of us. By TP3, we understood
the benefits of peer observation and that we are not in a competition and we were eager to
hear our peers’ constructive feedback.

I think I am lucky to be a member of that team. They are quite cooperative and motivating.
We learn from each other.
Mostafa’s sessions were inspiring. His classes were a good example of the student-centred
class. He asked CCQs and uses different ways to elicit TL. Dalia had set an example of effective
modeling of the TL (TP 4 and 6). Ayman’s sessions (TP 4,5 & 6) were well-staged and he
applied various kinds of feedback. Mohamed’s choice of activities were remarkable (Find
someone who, and others), they were engaging and served the lesson’s aim.

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 Maram Mostafa Assignment 4 CELTA 2017

My teaching strengths

1. In TP 1, 2, 3,4 ,5 and 6, my tutors commented that I always engage & motivate Ss to work and I
had managed to establish rapport and a lively relaxed learning environment.

2. InTP1,5 and 6, my tutor said that I elicit effectively with good use of CCQs.

3. In TP1, 5, 6 the material preparation, design and use were specified as one of my areas of
success.

4. Starting TP3, lesson planning became gradually one of my points of strength. My lesson plans
were well-staged with fair amount of activities and various modes of interactions.

Developmental needs - action points

1- Problem: high TTT. Although my tutor said that I am progressing, it is still one of my old
teaching habits that I need to get rid of. I need :
- to avoid unnecessary echoing and running commentaries.
- to maximize the opportunity for students to practice TL.
- to keep my instructions short and clear.
- to ask effective questions and to elicit target language. This will reduce the presentation time.

2- Language model: in TP 5-6 I had made few slips of tongue while giving instructions

- Write my instructions and rehearse them before class.

- Videotape my sessions to identify the problem and promote self-awareness.
- Keep my instructions short and simple and in the imperative form.

3- Timing: in TP 3.

- I have to think about the main aim of the lesson while planning and dedicate more time for the
freer practice stage.
- Set a stop-watch for every stage in the lesson, till I get used to it.
- While planning, write the estimated time based on the (lesson plan model) For example, any
gist task can’t exceed a minute. The lead-in is 5 minutes maximum and stick to it in class.

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 Maram Mostafa Assignment 4 CELTA 2017

Short term action plan for after the course

 During the first 2 months, I will start watching Adrian Underhill’s videos on
pronunciation, and read more about how to teach pronunciation and try to dedicate
more time to model and drill in class.

 Once the new semester starts, I will try to make my class a more of a student-centred
one and by time students will get used to that teaching method.

 I will also adapt materials, activities from my input sessions to use in class.

 As for my work place, over the next six months, I can promote the idea of peer
observation & how it can help in self-development. It is a great opportunity to
exchange teaching experience. I will pass teaching ideas to inexperience teachers as
well.

 Over the first 10-12 months, I should attend as many teachers’ training workshops,
webinars & seminars to keep me updated with the latest teaching trends.

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