Reflective Summary

In my teaching demonstration, I selected the grammar

component, second conditionals, and the selected

class was a group of intermediate ESL learners of

nine. The main objective of the selected lesson

was to enhance the learners’ knowledge about second

conditionals and give them the ability to use them

in real - life contexts while differentiating the other conditional types; zero, first and third. To fulfil the

above objective I used white board, markers, worksheets and flashcards as teaching materials. As for

the theories or approaches of the classroom management I basically used behaviorism, and

instructions, eliciting, feedback and explaining were used as the techniques and strategies. Although my

philosophy of teaching lies on the idea that students should be given the chance to learn by themselves,

it is difficult to teach a grammar lesson implementing a single learner - centered atmosphere. So, as for

the teaching methods I used both Grammar Translation Method (in the initial part) and Communicative

Language Teaching (in the latter part).

However, in the first part of the lesson where I incorporated the technique of explaining, a less motivation of the students could be seen. They looked like lethargic to give the answers and to engage in the lesson. In contrast to that, when it comes to the latter part they were more enthusiastic and motivated. I assume that was because of the engaging activity that I used and the implementing the techniques - giving feedback. So, it can be introduced as a plus point in my demonstration while less motivation in the beginning and especially the time management were major challenges. Because of the limited time duration - 10 minutes I had to run through my teaching part. As I mentioned previously, in order to engage the audience I used an interesting and engaging activity using flashcards in which students are asked to fill the rest of the given hypothetical situation using second conditionals. 

Finally, this demonstration was really insightful because it was like having a pre - experience as a teacher. From this I learned how to manage a classroom, how to engage and motivate the audience and how to manage the allocated time. Also, I learned that even a single word of a teacher can make a change inside a classroom. Apart from that, understanding the diverse needs of the learners has a huge impact on the success of the teaching process, and at the same time maintaining a positive relationship with learners using dynamic interaction patterns helps to create a learner friendly, and at the same time a learner - centered classroom.

So, in future teaching I will create a positive and less anxious learning environment before starting the lesson and especially without adhering to those traditional ways of teaching I will incorporate more innovative and engaging activities and teaching - learning resources.