Description: Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a 15-minute lesson which I taught to an US History class. The topic was Japanese internment camps and whether or not the students in the class agreed with how the US handled the situation during WWII. I first read a brief summary of the event while an overhead transparency depicted the picture of a Japanese-American family being round up for internment, and then I had other students volunteer to read the three remaining paragraphs of the text. It was after the reading that the class began the class discussion.
Analysis: Although overall I believed the mini-teach went well, I still felt it could have been better. Immediately after ending the discussion I felt that the discussion was more condensed as opposed to expanded. The students were willing to read and participate, but I felt I did not challenge them to critically think enough, but I rather simply agreed with their opinions and answers. Something I learned that to simply agree with those that are willing to answer questions is not enough, and that with each answer or comment I should respond in such a way that the student is furthered challenged to think deeper about the question or topic at hand.
Reflection: Looking back at being able to mini-teach an actual lesson I find myself lucky for the opportunity. It was a wonderful way to get my feet wet in the profession and learn early on about certain aspects that can be approved upon. One thing has become apparent from this experience and that is the understanding that being in the front of the class teaching is far different than being in the back of it learning. All eyes are on you and everything you say or do will have either a negative or positive impact on the students. This I know can only be something that becomes increasingly more comfortable and natural with additional experience. I can only look forward to the future opportunities to improve and hone my skills as a teacher.
