Write about something ‘WOW’ in a lesson and how that lesson relates to teaching styles

Write about something ‘WOW’ in a lesson and how that lesson relates to teaching styles

I observed a particular lesson that I felt was taught extremely well and focused on teaching pupils using auditory, visual and kinaesthetic learning styles. This particular lesson was with a year 9 set 5 class that consisted of 10 boys with targets ranging from C to E grades. By using the three types of learning styles Mrs C was able to help further the understanding of those pupils that might usually struggle.

This lesson began with a starter quiz that relied on the class to work alone on a visual basis and to then answer questions. This allowed the pupils to settle into the lesson and focus upon their work. For the main part of the lesson the class were reading Our Day Out and they had each been designated a particular character to read out loud. This enabled the class to learn visually (as they read the text) and auditory (as the listened to their classmates reading). By reading and listening to the text pupils will be able to have a better knowledge and understanding about what they are studying. This also helped the lower ability pupils that struggle with their reading as it will be easier for them to read out loud in order to take in what is happening.

Towards the end of the lesson Mrs C asked me and the teaching assistant to help create a debate with the class. We were asked to act as Mr Briggs and Mrs Kay from the play. We both presented arguments that summarised that characters personality to help them to fully understand each characters point of view. The pupils were then asked to stand on the side of which character that they thought would be a better teacher. This aspect of the lesson helped their kinaesthetic learning as they had to move around the class to decide which character they were going to choose. Mrs C then led the pupils to debate their reasons for choosing that particular character. The pupils were able to move between characters until they fully decided which character they wanted to choose. This task motivated and engaged all of the pupils and really got them thinking about the characters from the play. This activity allowed them to reinforce their knowledge and to expand any ideas that they already had. The debate also enabled them to gain other peoples perspectives on the play.

I personally found the last task to be engaging, enjoyable and informative. This was particularly useful for the students who struggle to follow visual and auditory learning styles. It required all pupils to understand the text and the characters. With this lesson being towards the end of the day it also engaged pupils that were becoming tired and unfocused. Personally my favourite types of lesson are those that actively engage the pupils and Mrs C was able to do this extremely well.