LESSON 8 - REFLECTIVE NOTES ON THE OBSERVED SESSION 1

Observed Session 1 – Lesson 8: Today’s lesson was observed as part of my PDA: Introduction to Teaching unit. Overall this was a successful lesson. The positives regarding this lesson were: it was varied, the students were engaged with the video clips that I showed them regarding contact improvisation, they asked several questions regarding the contact movement which was a good sign that they were interested in what they were about to take part in.

When it came to them trying the movement one group picked it up very quickly and performed it well, they managed to develop it properly using timing techniques too which was what they had to do for today to complete the objectives of the lesson. This group worked well independently. I had 2 students sit out of this class today due to illness and injury, however they took notes of the techniques that were being learned in the class and at times engaged with the groups who were able to participate by encouraging them or assisting them in what looked right, or how to make a certain move work and move more smoothly. They also assisted in recording the duets on the mobile phone.

I made good use of ICT today with the use of the laptop to show them what their objectives were for today’s lesson, the internet to show the contact improvisation clips and the mobile phone to record the sequences that were being performed.

A few things that could’ve worked better or things that I could improve on for the next time I teach this lesson would be: make sure everyone can see the computer screen clearly, have an alternative duet for people who struggled slightly to do the one I had today. I’m not sure if they felt a little nervous because someone was in observing the lesson (they had little fits of giggles which in turn was making them lose footing in the steps and falling over). I also think a factor was the height difference. The difference in their heights made it a little more difficult for them to push each other up on the weight sharing technique, I should have an alternative contact duet for groups who do have a clear difference in height or weight.

Because a couple of the students struggled slightly with the duet it took longer to teach the duet than I had anticipated so the lesson may be felt a little rushed to the students near the end of the lesson. If I had had an alternative duet then more time could’ve been spent on the timing techniques, which I had for them.

I should also make sure that the students sitting out are continuously engaged in the lesson rather than every so often.