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__Nicola Jennings__ Thursday 22nd March 2012 Year 10 Health Education Class __Topic__: Stress (analysing post box answers in groups)
 * __ MENTOR __****__ OBSERVATION TERM 1 __**
 * **Aspect of lesson** || **Comment** ||
 * Introduction- start of lesson set up || __Positive__
 * Nice to hear you greeting students in a friendly manner as they entered the class. They appear to have a good relationship with you.
 * Really good routine when kids were settling. You stated instructions "bibles away, bags off the table", and then enforced this was actually done for the few who didn't.

__Work on__
 * Sometimes a good idea with post box activities to remind them not to make negative comments about what others have written. This sometimes happens in classes who aren't well-behaved and will affect the atmosphere in the class. ||
 * Behaviour Management || __Positive__
 * You didn't talk over kids during instructions- paused when someone started- good practice.
 * I really liked that you left them to work on the task. Its sometimes tempting to storm around and make sure they are working, but this can actually be quite distruptive and distracting. You stood back for a bit and gave them the chance to get on with it.
 * I thought you did well with the 'toilet' boy- spoke with him low key, didn't make a big distraction of it. This was the right way of dealing with him (but remember the incident for the future in case he does it again)

__Work on__
 * Even though the groups were all working really well, its good to get into the habit of commenting and making positive comments about those on task / or the people or groups who get onto task quickly. It lets students know that you notice and are watching, and encourage the others to get started quickly. ||
 * Instructions || __Positive__
 * Great to recap the last lesson with student questioning to focus them on the task.
 * Also really good to see you recapping 'good group work'. What sometime works well is to write about 3 points on the board, eg 1. face each other 2. all involved 3. not interrupting other groups. This way, when you see someone not working well in the group its easy to say 'you aren't doing number 2'...
 * You gave the class a lot of instructions at once. This is an advanced class and they could handle it. But see below..

__Work on__ A well-run and interactive lesson. It was great to see all students involved and on-task, and given the chance to work with their peers. They managed the responsibility well which suggests the groundwork has been done to set up a good learning envirnoment. You have a friendly manner with students, while still being the boss.
 * Try to get into the habit of explaining ideas, then also writing them briefly on the board. This means that those who aren't as good at listening have a plan to follow.
 * Then you can also give a time line for each part, eg '1 should take about 20 minutes, you should be starting 2 now which will take 5 minutes...' Good to keep students moving along. Also good for kids hard of hearing.
 * No safety guidelines displayed in class- these need to be on display as when you talk about things in health, eg good group work, you also refer to the guidelines. I do this most lessons. ||
 * 'Other' || * The most important part of the lesson is the discussion around the findings. I didn't see this part. Try and use open questions to get students to elaborate on ideas.
 * PE teachers have loud voices and we are used to yelling. Get used to using the 'inside voice' when giving instructions. Loud to get attention, then quieten right down when you talk. This makes them really listen. If we are too loud in a class they will be loud in response. ||
 * __ Overall comment __**

Work on refining a couple of teaching methods, like writing instuctions on the board as well as verbally telling them, giving them time prompts, and using lots of praise to reinforce good behaviour. Those these things weren't needed as much today, they will help with more difficult classes. Also check your goals and see how you are going in relation to reaching them. And lastly remember to make little comments on page 18 every now and then, as it will be easier to do this gradually rather than just during the year.
 * __ Where to from here? __**