Teaching and Learning III

Josh Feinberg

Teaching and Learning III

3/2/2017

Round Sheet

Background

My Spanish 1 classes have just started a unit about Ecuador this past week and we will be discussing more of the vocabulary today in class. The main focus of this unit is to learn more about household items/furniture which they will eventually create a project for down the road. Usually during these lessons, I find games that will help them review vocabulary as a group. Many of these games have the students moving up and around the room so they can stay attentive and of course, have a little fun while learning the vocabulary as well. We’ve spent one class so far going over the vocabulary and grammar with this class, so this is just another push in the right direction to keep them studying and practicing. In addition, I have started describing the activities in Spanish, so they are working on their listening comprehension as well.

Round Learning Focus

In today’s class, they will be focusing on listening comprehension. Students will be split up into two teams of their choosing (I usually do school yard pick) and are split up onto different sides of the class. One person from each team will come up and be given a “fly swatter” for their team. I will say a vocabulary word out loud while the two contestants try to find the picture corresponding to the vocabulary word on the board. The first person to find and hit the correct picture, wins a point for their team. The game is supposed to go as the person upfront must find the word while their team stays silent, however, sometimes it does get out of hand and the students get very excited about the game where everyone wants to help the person upfront. Students are more than welcome to help each other, but at the same time the students upfront need time to find the answer as well. Ultimately, the winners receive candy or some sort of prize of their choosing. Today, I am solely going to keep it for review purposes. I want to make sure that the teams are evenly split, so I may move them around based on their abilities because students just like to be with their friends.

Learning-Centered Round Inquiry

Do the students seem to understand what I am saying to them in Spanish? (i.e the directions) Do most of them understand the vocabulary that is being said for the activity?

Are students focusing on the activity at hand or are they worrying about other things? (i.e. other classes, side conversations)

Do students seem to be engaged with the activity? Are they connecting Spanish vocabulary with English as well for better understanding?

Practice-Centered Round Inquiry

Does this type of activity seem to be helping students remember the vocabulary? What could I have done differently? (instruction, team-making, control of the classroom)What are the reactions that students are giving after each round? Is there any negative behavior? Record evidence.

Am I being fair with my rules and expectations of the class? Are students helping each other out with the activity/memorizing the vocabulary?