Note: This is an individual assignment. In 1,500-2,000 words, describe the teaching experience and discuss your observations. The written portion of this assignment should include: Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. Purchase the answer to view it
Title: Observations and Reflections on a Teaching Experience
Introduction
Teaching is a dynamic and multifaceted profession that requires extensive knowledge, skills, and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of learners. This essay reflects on my teaching experience and explores the observations made throughout, offering a critical analysis of the pedagogical strategies employed and their impact on student learning outcomes. The focus is primarily on an undergraduate course in Psychology, delivered over a semester, with a diverse set of learners from various academic backgrounds.
Context and Preparation
Before delving into the classroom experience, it is essential to note the contextual factors that influenced the planning and design of the course. These factors include understanding the learning goals, the course content, the pedagogical approaches, and the assessment methods aligned with the learning outcomes. In this case, the course aimed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology, stimulate critical thinking, and develop independent research skills.
To achieve these goals, various instructional strategies were employed, including lectures, class discussions, group activities, case studies, and research projects. These strategies were chosen with the intent to foster active engagement, promote critical thinking, and encourage collaborative learning.
Observations and Analysis
Lecture Delivery and Engaging Activities
The lectures served as an essential vehicle for the transmission of information and key concepts. However, it became apparent through observation and student feedback that the delivery style could be enhanced to improve engagement and comprehension. While the lectures were well-structured and organized, communication could be optimized by incorporating visual aids, such as slides and videos, to support the delivery of complex content. Moreover, the use of real-world examples and case studies would have further facilitated the application of theoretical concepts to practical situations.
In contrast to traditional lecture-style teaching, engaging activities, such as group discussions and problem-solving tasks, provided opportunities for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios. These activities encouraged active participation, fostered critical thinking, and improved collaboration among students. The value of these activities was evident in the increased depth of student engagement and their heightened ability to analyze and synthesize information. Therefore, a combination of lectures and interactive activities seems to be an effective approach to support the diverse learning styles and preferences of students.
Assessment and Feedback
Assessment is an integral part of the teaching and learning process, as it informs both the instructor and the students about the progress and achievement of learning outcomes. The assessments in this course consisted of formative assessments, such as in-class quizzes and writing assignments, and a summative assessment in the form of a research project.
While the assessments were well-aligned with the learning objectives and encouraged critical thinking, the lack of timely and detailed feedback hindered the students’ ability to improve their work. To address this, implementing a feedback system that provides constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement would have been beneficial. Additionally, peer assessment could have been incorporated, allowing students to evaluate each other’s work, develop critical evaluation skills, and gain insights from multiple perspectives.