Page+8-+Term+2+Mentor+Observation

Observation by Nicola Jennings 22 May 2012 Class: Year 11 PE Unit of work: Anatomy What ERO etc would expect to see __every__ lesson (and what is generally good teaching) is to have a lesson outline, ie what are we doing today... this should be the bare minimum of what you write. Eg //__Todays Plan__:// //1. Work in a group to match anatomy terms to their definitions// //2. Complete pages 28-31 in workbook to check our understanding of anatomy// //3. Introduce movements//
 * __ TERM 2 STAFF MENTOR OBSERVATION __**
 * ** Aspect of lesson ** || ** Comment ** ||
 * Introduction || On arrival there was no indication of what this lesson was about. When teaching in the classroom we need to use the whiteboard.

Without this focus it makes the students wonder where the lesson is heading, and it feels a bit disconnected. Remember that they have 5 lessons a day and come in with a head full of other info. They need something to remind them about what they are doing. You can also have an aim, or learning criteria. ||
 * Instructions || Use the whiteboard! You could have done this several times, eg write up what pages so you don't have to repeat it. You also spoke about what to do, and it was 4 pages of work- this is a lot. You are lucky most listened.

It would be better to use the book at a tool to help the lesson along, rather than giving big chunks of work from it. Try and mix up the writing, talking, discussion, getting out of seats, groupwork... or at least give them one page and then go through it (rahter than 4). ||
 * Group activity || This was a good catch. Maybe some of the groups were a bit big, and a paper, unlaminated resource won't last long! The possibility of differentiation (one of your goals) could have been used here somehow. The group of boys at the front were obviously quite bright, while another group couln't answer the most basic of anatomy questions. How could you change things (differentiate) to cater for difference in ability? ||
 * Other || The girl who left upset was outside for at least 30 min. When I left she had disappeared. This is a worry as she was really upset- you never know where she went or what was going on. You put yourself at risk if anything happens and you hadn't checked in with her.

The students didn't look overly engaged today- most were quiet and looking a bit bored. If you had had a 'catch' at the start where they had to tune in it will help them wake up- get them standing and doing something, eg put your hand on your hamstring, perform a sporting action that flexes your elbow... || You really need to use the whiteboard everytime you teach in a class. I wrote this in the last eveluation too. When in a classroom we need to be classroom teachers, not just PE teachers. As a minimum I would like to see you do the following every classroom lesson: 1. Write a lesson outline, however brief. 2. Write instructions, as well as saying them. Again, can be brief, but it needs to be done!
 * __ Overall comment __**

Also, you didn't let me know the things you wanted me to focus on.

Don't be tempted to just follow the status quo of the PE department in your teaching. Even though there is a workbook make the lesson more interesting and make it your own. Plan each lesson and consider how you are going to get their attention at the start, and how you can break it up to keep them focussed.


 * __ Where to from here? __**
 * 1) Use the whiteboard in every classroom lesson! Especially for a lesson outline and instructions.
 * 2) Consider a catch to get students focused at the beginning