Presentation Critique Paper

Kelly Krebs

3/24/11

Presentation Critique

Tech and Topics

I introduced the Shakespearean sonnet in my mini-lesson, and it went better than I expected. I was extremely nervous in the beginning but I loosened up as the lesson went on. I introduced the main components of the sonnet including the quatrain, the couplets, and the rhyme scheme.

I think I introduced the components well, and it helped to explain the background and explain why the sonnet is called the Shakespearean. Shakespeare is arguably the greatest writer in the English language, and so I find it important that my students know and recognize his work. Although Shakespeare did not create the English sonnet, he was the most practiced of the writers in this type of sonnet. I think it was also beneficial to have the “students” come to the front of the room to identify the components after I had done an example myself. This way I could see that the students could both understand and complete this activity on their own if I had them to it on their own.

There are a couple things I need to work on to improve on my teaching skills. I realized that when I do get nervous I would start to mumble and turn my head from the room. So not only do I look like I am talking to myself, but my students miss what I am saying. I also realized that I stood still. Now in this room, I couldn’t move too far around the room because of the stationary camera, but when I get my own classroom it would be helpful to walk around so I can monitor the students and answer questions that they may have. I think walking around would also be beneficial because then I am entering the students space. This will show them that I am there to help and I am on the same level as them, while still maintaining that I am first and foremost their teacher.

Another nervous habit was when I would hold my arms in tight to the side of my body and only wave my forearms. It looked stiff and uncomfortable, and that is not how I want to be viewed by the students. I also noticed that I hold my hands together a lot and rub them together. This creates a closed off attitude and I don’t want the students to think that I have a closed off personality. I want to be open and available, and I don’t want to give off that kind of feeling.

I think my greatest problem will be my expressions. I have always been a joker, and in a classroom there is a certain time and place. I need to make sure these kids understand that I am first and foremost their teacher. Only after I have firmly established this relationship will I be able to joke and laugh with the students. A teacher of mine once said it is ok and healthy to laugh at yourself in a classroom, but only when you have fully established a line between teacher and friend.

I also think I need to better acquaint myself with technology. The smart board wasn’t orientated so it was difficult to write on. I could also maybe use a different type of presentation besides just the smart board so as to incorporate more active participation with the students. If the students all had individuals laptops I could have them choose their own sonnets to identify.

Overall, though, I think I did pretty well, but through my experiences I hope to become a better teacher. I hope to learn from these mistakes and other mistakes that I may make and become the teacher that I one day hope to be. I’ve had teachers that have inspired me to become just like them, and I hope to one day make them proud.