The demonstration by the veteran elementary school teacher, Tim Bedley, on effective teaching techniques by engaging the learners in the learning process is an excellent show of carrying out peer learning.
The setting of the classroom is commendable as it manipulates students’ habits and approaches to learning. Bedley’s class setting is organized, interesting, and filled with ease that enables smooth learning sessions. The students were comfortable in their sitting places and were able to move freely when going to their different groups. To save classroom space, posters, books, and the belongings of the students are next to the walls. Mr. Bedley had enough space to move in the classroom to check the progress of the activities of the groups. The diverse posters on the walls create conducive learning environment as it adds to the aesthetic appeal of the classroom. The students are thus made to have a sense of calmness. Mr. Bedley was able to keep an eye on all the students and the students were able to see the teacher without unnecessary turning. The classroom had adequate light that enabled proper exposure to the learning materials.
The social environment of the classroom is good for academic work. The teacher promoted the social development of the students by dividing them into groups of four students per group. They could then interact with their peers in coming up with a collective decision on finding directions for kids for not reaching a consensus.
The classroom atmosphere was filled with collaborative support between Mr. Bedley and his students. The class responds to him cheerfully in his characteristic way of calling them to attention. Social support is evident when he engages the students in critical thinking to find a solution to the problem they had been defeated to solve. To maintain the link between him and the students, Mr. Bedley often appraises them by saying ‘thank you.
As the lesson progresses, the students are all attentive to listen to the teacher. They do not engage in useless talks that can capture their attention from the thought-captivating words that the veteran teacher says.
The student-student interaction in the class is good as it facilitates the learning process. They engaged each other in small group talks to brainstorm on the possible way forward. After answering a question, a student could point at his or her peer to give views concerning the debated topic.
The classroom psychological climate is bright and energizing. The teacher-student relationship is superb. Mr. Bedley demonstrates fairness towards the students by modifying instructions plans to adjust to the diverse student needs. The teacher is available to meet the student’s needs as he moved in the class during the brainstorming session to listen to the discussions. The students contributed positively to the classroom environment by being patient and tolerant to listen to the teacher’s instructions.
The classroom ethos was exemplary. The rapport between the students and the teacher is good. Mr. Bedley establishes and maintains standards for student behavior. The students answered questions in an orderly manner by rising their hands. He engaged the students in making decisions on ways of solving problems.
Responsibilities in the classroom are shared without complaints. The teacher rightfully teaches the students to learn and the students reciprocate by their eagerness to learn. At the table discussions, the students had different responsibilities to take to ensure the smooth running of the groups. There was a timekeeper and someone to write down what the group is doing.
Mr. Bedley provided about thirty seconds for the learners to reflect and absorb what they had learned. This builds the learner’s confidence in participating in the learning activities, as they were able to reflect on what the groups did in staying together and working on time.
The teacher maintained balance in the classroom by providing an encouraging environment for the learners to participate in achieving the learning goals. The teacher engages the students to capture their attention by using a variety of instructional strategies and resources to respond to the students’ diverse needs. The teacher used gestures to get the attention of the students. After giving instructions on what he wanted the class to do, Mr. Bedley divided them into groups to break the monotony of his presentations.
This is my view of a good learning environment as the teacher mixed up his teaching skills by fostering teamwork, moving in the class, engaging the students to answer questions, and creating a lively class that aims to plan and implement classroom procedures and routines that support student learning.
I am surprised by the high level of coordination that exists between the teacher and his students. Of particular amazement to me is how the elementary school veteran engages the students in the learning process.
I liked how he involved and guided the students in assessing their learning.
The implementation of this teaching approach is possible in other contexts. Achieving this is by providing adequate guides to the teachers to equip them with the skills in service delivery. Incorporating the students on this involves teaching them the best class behavioral practices.
Works Cited
Tim Bedley, Lesson Observation: pt. 1 of 3. (n.d). 2009. Web.