Micro Teaching

 A micro teaching cycle is a controlled process that comprises a small unit of content (usually a single topic) being taught to a small group of students (usually peers playing the role of students) in a short period of time (usually 5-7 minutes). By employing the concept of micro teaching, a teacher can identify the deficiencies and inadequacies in their teaching and improve upon them.

Micro-teaching was invented in 1963 at Stanford University by Dwight W. Allen, and has subsequently been used to develop educators in all forms of education.Micro-teaching is a teacher training and faculty development technique whereby the teacher reviews a recording of a teaching session, in order to get constructive feedback from peers and/or students about what has worked and what improvements can be made to their teaching technique.

Skills Of Micro Teaching

 There are eight broad skills that can be developed through the micro teaching technique. It’s prudent to note that in a micro teaching cycle, only one skill is developed at a time. Once a certain skill has been mastered to the fullest, only then can the trainee teacher move on to improving other skills. 

1. Introduction Skill

It’s crucial to establish the structure of a lesson at the introduction stage. Giving a brief yet thorough introduction of the topic before getting into the lesson prepares the students for what to expect from the lesson.

2. Skill Of Explanation

The skill of explanation involves answering the ‘how’, ‘why’ and ‘what’ of the concept being taught. This is done in an interactive and engaging manner, preferably with the use of relatable examples. These examples often relate to the lives and surroundings of the students. 

3. Skill Of Probing Questions

The skill of probing questions gives a teacher more control over the discipline of the classroom. Students are more attentive, knowing that they may be called upon to answer questions during the lesson. Additionally, probing questions generate curiosity and encourage more in-depth thinking by the students, leading to further research into the topic taught.

4. Skill Of Demonstration

Demonstration is one of the most effective and useful skills for a teacher. This is done with the help of specimens, props or laboratory experiments for a more profound understanding of the lesson.

5. Skill Of Reinforcement

Reinforcing the lesson in the students’ minds through repetition, demonstration or detailed explanation is beneficial to both the student and the teacher because it ensures the lesson taught has been properly understood and can be recalled instantly.

6. Skill Of Stimulus Variation

Introducing variations into the manner of teaching, such as voice modulations, visual cues or teaching gestures, is an effective technique to maintain the students’ attention for prolonged periods of time.

7. Skill Of Blackboard Writing

A blackboard is one of the most effective visual tools. This skill involves the use of a blackboard to draw diagrams, charts and images related to a lesson. If utilized appropriately, the skill of blackboard writing will enable students to understand, remember and recollect a lesson almost instantly.

8. Skill Of Achieving Closure

It’s important to end a lesson systematically and not leave students confused. Once a lesson is complete, students must be given a summary of the lesson taught to reinforce what has been taught. It’s also crucial at this stage to roll out assessments to appropriately gauge the level of acquired knowledge.

Building these skills is essential for the development of an effective pedagogy. Micro teaching, and especially skills associated with micro teaching, builds the ability to foster a strong, result-oriented classroom. 

Now i am sharing my micro teaching videos that i had successfull practiced in LOYOLA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.