Bamidele Anifowoshe

Fall 2022 UTA Observation

As I walk into the classroom, all of the chairs are facing towards the professor. As I am sure this
is just his preference, I think it signifies that there will be a lack of interaction between students.
Nothing is on the board, but the projector is ready.
The professor was in the classroom first, closely followed by the UTA and they both interacted
with each other. As students walked in, they greeted them. The students do seem prepared for
class, instantly pulling out their laptops. Before the UTA or professor starts the class, it seems
like students are in their own world, although they do have their laptops out ready for
instruction. 
Students know when the class has officially begun when the professor introduces what they will
be doing for the day. They know what they will be doing for the next 50 - 75 minutes based on
the agenda that the professor and UTA address. Students are reading a passage in class, not sure
how this ties into their homework or previous class session. Students are entirely engaged, when
the professor asks a question there is no awkward silence. Students do not interact with each
other. When the UTA speaks, students do not really speak but that is because she was just
offering advice. 
The objective of today's class was to find the rhetorical message behind the passage that students
were reading. This is to help students structure a thesis statement for their essay. The objective is
realized through the agenda presented. Students are somewhat responsible for knowing what is
going on today because of their homework. Some teaching strategies that I have seen are more
lecture based than interactive. 
Through the class, the UTA is sitting in the front, clearing up any confusion that the students
might have. The UTA took attendance. The relationship between the UTA and professor seems
like a supportive one. I believe the UTA just clears up confusing things. She does not interact
with the students much because the professor has a lecture based teaching style. The facilitation
feels shared if needed. I feel as if the UTA is an authority figure like the professor. 
Overall, a chill class that is quiet and gets the work done! Great environment.