Jack Buck CO#1

On Wednesday at 11AM, I observed Andrew Wilson's reading class. While observing, I noticed how much of a command Andrew had over the class. There wasn't any side-chatter or disruptions by the students. At the same time, the class atmosphere was very lighthearted and friendly. Andrew used an interesting method in getting everyone to participate. He had everyone write down their names on a lolly stick, and he would pick one out at random. Whoever the stick belonged to would answer the question he had about the reading passage. He told me that this method ensured that he would not pick the same people to speak all the time. Andrew's lesson had four steps: First, the word of the day, where he would define a new word for the students and use it in a lesson. Second, practicing ideas, where he would give an explanation of the days topic. Third, a worksheet for the students to practice what was previously explained. Finally paraphrasing, where the teacher focused attention to some of the challenges students may have faced in the previous activity. After this, it was "story time". Andrew read the tell-tale heart by Edgar Allan Poe. Overall, I liked watching Andrew's method of teaching. He often joked throughout the lesson, keeping students engaged and interested.