Microteaching

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MICRO TEACHING SKILLS - this term has gathered quite a lot of attention in
recent times. But what is it? Why is it important? How can it help you improve
your teaching skills? Well, if you, too, have been pondering these questions,
then you are at the right place!

In this blog, we will talk about all things–micro-teaching. From what it is, why
we need it, to what constitutes micro-teaching and the process of using it. So,
without further ado, let’s begin.
What is Micro Teaching and its Objectives?

According to Wikipedia, “Micro-teaching is a teacher training and faculty

development technique whereby the teacher reviews a recording of a teaching
session, in order to get constructive feedback from peers and/or students about
what has worked and what improvements can be made to their teaching
technique.”
Let’s break this down in simpler terms.

As you may already know, ‘micro’ means small. So, essentially, micro-teaching
is a teaching situation where the time and number of learners are reduced
(made small). This way, it becomes easier for you to understand better the
techniques you employ and your colleagues or the observers to offer valuable
feedback.

Microteaching is conducted to simulate a real-life teaching situation but in a

controlled environment. This way, your peers or colleagues can observe all the
nuances involved and identify the scope of improvement in your teaching
methods.

What a nice approach to learn and grow, right? Now, let’s get to know the
brain behind this impactful concept.

Micro-teaching was developed in 1963 by Dwight W. Allen at Stanford

University. And, many years later after its development, a review was done to
collect evidence for micro-teaching. And you will be surprised to know that it
was found to be the sixth most effective method for improving student
outcomes.

Related Resource
Read this interesting in-depth work, ‘Visible Learning for Teachers’ by John
Hattie. This book brings together 15 years of research, encompassing millions
of students. It constitutes one of the most extensive compilations of evidence-
based research on effective strategies for enhancing learning in schools

So, what can we achieve through micro-teaching? What are its objectives?
Let’s find out.

Objectives of Micro-teaching
Wondering what are the core goals that make micro-teaching such an effective
teaching approach? In this section, we'll delve into precisely that. Read along
to understand the objectives of micro-teaching that make this one so impactful.

1. To provide practical training to new teachers in a controlled setup

Imagine you're learning to ride a bike. You don't start on a busy street, you
begin in a safe, open space. Similarly, micro-teaching lets aspiring/new
teachers practice in a controlled environment, making the complexities of the
classroom more manageable.
This controlled practice allows them to build confidence and refine their
teaching techniques. Additionally, it helps them develop their classroom
management skills before stepping into a real classroom setting.

2. To identify the scope of improvement & get immediate feedback

Ever wish you could review and improve your teaching in real-time? Well,
micro-teaching is the thing for you. It's like a coaching session. Here you
identify the hiccups in your teaching style and get immediate feedback on how
to smooth them out. Micro-teaching immediate feedback loop empowers you to
address teaching challenges promptly, leading to continuous growth.

3. To develop experimental teacher programs & research

Micro-teaching is like a science lab. It's not just about teaching. It's about
experimenting with different teaching methods. Micro-teaching encourages the
creation of experimental teacher education programs, fostering a culture of
continuous improvement and innovation.

4. To improve the teaching-learning process

Ever felt like teaching was a rollercoaster you couldn't steer? Micro-teaching
hands you the reins. It's about gaining more control over the instructional
method, like a maestro directing a symphony. This helps in fine-tuning
teaching methods and enhancing the supervision of the observers.

This happens because the controlled set-up allows observers to closely examine
your teaching techniques and interactions with students.

5. To enable teachers like you to gain confidence in teaching

Imagine conquering a challenging video game level. That sense of
achievement? Micro-teaching provides that feeling for teachers. It's a
confidence-building exercise where you can master various teaching skills on a
smaller stage before facing the grand classroom.

6. To gain maximum advantage with little time, money & material

Micro-teaching is a cost-effective, time-efficient method. It's about gaining
maximum advantage with minimal resources. This way, it is accessible to you
at any stage of your career.
These objectives tell us the primary goal of micro-teaching. It is to provide a
way for you to practice, refine, and perfect your teaching skills. Micro-teaching
scales down the complexities of a full-sized classroom. It offers you a safe space
to experiment and learn without the overwhelming pressure.

Another advantage of micro-teaching is that at its heart lies a commitment to

teacher development. It's not merely about identifying flaws. It's about
fostering a culture of continuous improvement, whether you’re a trainee
teacher or an in-service one.
‍ earning Leap: Just like micro-teaching, Suraasa mentors provide a safe space
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for sharing your teaching challenges. ‍Talk to a mentor for personalized
guidance to advance in your teaching career. All aligned with your individual
aspirations.‍
In essence, the objectives of micro-teaching extend far beyond the classroom
walls. They are the building blocks of a dynamic, responsive, and ever-evolving
teaching philosophy.

Well, by now, you must have gotten a fair idea about micro-teaching. Now, let's
get on with understanding the skills that it encompasses and how it impacts us
as teachers.
What are Micro Teaching Skills?
Micro-teaching skills refer to the specific teaching abilities and techniques that
teachers gain/build during micro-teaching sessions. Basically, micro-teaching
skills refer to a range of teaching competencies, including explaining, and
demonstrating questioning, among others, that teachers learn while using the
micro-teaching method.

It also covers instructional strategies, feedback, assessment, adaptability, time

management, and reflective practices.
‍
Micro-teaching isolates particular skills, such as questioning, explanation, or
classroom management, providing you with a platform to practice and
enhance these skills in a targeted manner. As a result, you are empowered
through an intentional and reflective process to fine-tune your instructional
methods and adapt to the diverse needs of your students.

Recommended For You

Read this in-depth blog piece on reflective teaching and learn how it can add
value to you as a teacher in myriad ways.

Now. Let’s find out a little more about why you need to develop these micro-
teaching skills.
Importance of Developing Micro-teaching Skills
Did you know that developing micro-teaching skills could have on your
journey towards excellence in teaching? In this section, we will impact these
skills of micro-teaching can have on the learning environment. We will also
understand the multifaceted benefits they bring to both you and your students.
So, let’s dive right in!
Micro-teaching skills are essential tools in your teaching toolkit. They're like
those little adjustments you make to capture your students' attention. Have
you noticed how a small change in your teaching style can light up the entire
classroom? That's the power of micro-teaching skills at work. They help in
making those changes that will just do the trick for you in your teaching.

You know how when you practice something, like a sport or an instrument, you
get better at it? It's the same with teaching. When you really focus on
improving specific skills, you improve each time. As a result, the whole
classroom feels more alive and fun. It's like everyone's on the same team,
working together towards the same goal.

Developing these skills is a journey of personal and professional growth for you
as a teacher. They keep you adaptable and ready to tackle the ever-evolving
challenges of teaching.

Now, let's think about the students. When you use micro-teaching skills, you
make learning more accessible and enjoyable for them. Have you seen how
students light up when they 'get' something? That's the magic of effective
teaching through micro-teaching skills.

Isn't it fascinating how enhancing your teaching methods with micro-teaching

skills can create a ripple effect? They benefit not just your students but also
enrich your own teaching experience

Must Watch
Struggling with uninterested students in your classroom? Watch this video and
learn some effective tips to get their attention back to learning the right way!
Building upon this, let’s now understand why you need to pay attention to
micro-teaching skills as a 21st-century teacher.
Micro-teaching Skills in Contemporary Education Landscape
When we talk about modern teaching methods in 21st-century classrooms,
micro-teaching skills become hard to ignore. So, naturally, the question is,
what makes micro-teaching so relevant in today's educational landscape?

Well, the relevance of micro-teaching in contemporary educational practices

lies in its adaptability. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a flexible
framework that accommodates diverse teaching styles and learning needs. We
live in an era where classrooms are increasingly diverse and dynamic.

Here, microteaching equips you with the tools to cater to individual learning
styles. This way you can ensure that no student gets left behind.

The 21st-century classroom is more than just a space for delivering

information. It's a hub for cultivating critical thinking, fostering creativity, and
nurturing a passion for lifelong learning. Micro-teaching aligns perfectly with
these goals, emphasizing not only what you teach but how you teach it. In this
fast-paced educational environment, micro-teaching becomes a valuable ally
for you to stay ahead of the curve.

The significance of micro-teaching skills lies in their direct contribution to

effective teaching practices. It helps you gain self-awareness as a teacher. This
self-awareness, coupled with feedback from peers and mentors, forms a
foundation for professional growth. As we know, effective teaching is not a one-
size-fits-all approach.

It requires a nuanced understanding of pedagogical techniques and the ability

to adapt them to different learning environments. Skills of micro-teaching, by
virtue of their targeted nature, help you to tailor your instructional
approaches, ultimately enhancing their overall effectiveness in the classroom.
Pro-Tip
Are you a 21st-century teacher armed with the latest pedagogical skills and
international teaching techniques? Talk to a Suraasa Mentor and find out right
away!

Let’s now delve into the specifics of skills of micro-teaching that empower you
to create such enriching classrooms.
9 Types of Micro-teaching Skills
In the world of micro-teaching, you are presented with a diverse array of skills
to refine and master. Each skill contributes to the holistic development of
effective teaching practices. In this section, we will look into nine crucial skills
of micro-teaching, with examples and tips for improvement.

1. Micro-Teaching Skill of Questioning

Effective questioning is a cornerstone of engaging teaching. As our writer
Aashita puts it, teaching without asking the right kind of questions is similar to
“constructing a building without the essential support pillars, resulting in an
unstable foundation.”

Effective questioning skills involve the art of posing thought-provoking

questions that stimulate critical thinking and active participation among
students.

‍ xamples: Open-ended inquiries like "How do you think this concept applies
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in real-life situations?" or "Can you propose alternative solutions to this
problem?"

‍ ips for Improvement: Be alert and know when to ask questions to your
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students. Make sure to ask them in between the lessons instead of waiting for
the lesson to complete.

Vary the types of questions posed (closed-ended, open-ended, probing) to

encourage different levels of thinking. Pay attention to the pacing of your
questions and allow sufficient time for students to formulate thoughtful
responses.

Open-ended Questions Template

Get this template of open-ended question samples that you can use for your
lessons!
Download for Free

2. Micro-Teaching Skill of Explaining

The skill of explaining entails the ability to articulate complex concepts in a
clear, concise, and accessible manner, ensuring students grasp the content.

‍ xamples: Teacher using analogies, and visual aids. For example, charts,
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diagrams and other audio or visual aids. This helps students understand
complex or abstract concepts by relating them to familiar ideas.

‍‍
Tips for Improvement: Share personal stories related to the topic to pique
students' interest. Also, don’t forget to gather timely feedback by asking
questions like, "Did that make sense to everyone? If not, can you tell me what
you found confusing?".
3. Micro-Teaching Skill of Probing
Probing involves asking follow-up questions to deepen student understanding
and encourage critical thinking. It seeks to explore the depth of knowledge and
provoke thoughtful responses.

Examples: After a student provides an initial answer, a probing question might

be, "Can you elaborate further on your reasoning?" or "How do you think this
concept connects to what we discussed earlier?"

‍ ips for Improvement: Develop a repertoire of probing questions that challenge

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students to analyze and synthesize information. Practice active listening to
tailor your probing questions based on students' responses.
4. Micro-Teaching Skill of Demonstrating
The micro-teaching skill of demonstrating is more like a 'show and tell' for
teaching. It involves explaining and illustrating concepts, ideas, principles,
laws, or teaching points by using specimens, devices, or experiments during the
teaching-learning process. It's a method that brings the subject matter to life
by showcasing real-world examples or practical applications in front of the
students.

Examples: Roleplays, field trips, demonstrating using live experiments are all
examples of demonstrations.

Tips for Improvement: Use a variety of demonstration techniques to cater to

different learning styles. For example, combine visual demonstrations with
hands-on activities or simulations. Show enthusiasm and passion for the
subject matter during your demonstration. Your enthusiasm can inspire
student interest.
5. Micro-Teaching Skill of Stimulus Variation
Stimulus variation involves diversifying instructional methods and materials to
maintain student engagement. It recognizes that different learners respond to
various stimuli.

Examples: Incorporate a mix of lectures, group activities, multimedia

presentations, and class discussions. This way, you can cater to diverse learning
preferences.

‍ ips for Improvement: Try and experiment with different teaching strategies
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and assess their impact on student engagement. Keenly observe students'
reactions and adjust your approach accordingly.
6. Micro-Teaching Skill of Reinforcement
The micro-teaching skill of reinforcement falls under the realm of learning
psychology. As we know, reinforcement is a technique that actively shapes the
responses and behaviors of learners. It's like giving a thumbs-up to encourage
positive behaviors or correct responses. This helps create a friendly and
positive learning atmosphere.

The skill of reinforcement can be seen as teachers skillfully using reinforcers to

guide students' behavior in the right direction. Here, the goal is to get everyone
involved and achieve better results in the teaching-learning process.

Must Watch
Want to learn how to use positive behavior intervention and support to
improve social and emotional learning?
Watch this masterclass by Dr Saima Afroze Khan, a Science High School
teacher from Arizon, USA. Here, she shares her secrets of using positive
reinforcements in the classroom.
Examples: Praise students for thoughtful contributions, provide
encouragement during challenging tasks, and acknowledge improvement and
effort.

‍ ips for Improvement: Be specific in your reinforcement, linking praise to

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specific behaviors or achievements. Be mindful to maintain a balance between
positive reinforcement and constructive feedback for a well-rounded approach.
7. Micro-Teaching Skill of Illustrating with Examples
Illustrations, in the context of teaching, refer to the use of specific instances or
examples. These are used to clarify and explain abstract or complex concepts.
It involves providing real-world scenarios, visuals, or tangible cases that help
students better understand and relate to the topic being discussed.

The skill of illustrating with examples is a powerful tool in a teacher's arsenal.

It bridges the gap between the known and the unknown, making learning more
relatable and engaging. This skill helps you to drive your students to analyze,
synthesize, or apply knowledge creatively. As a result, you are able to foster
critical thinking.

As a teacher, there are two kinds of illustrations that you may frequently use-
verbal and non-verbal. Verbal illustrations involve using spoken or written
descriptions, anecdotes, or explanations to clarify a concept. You can use
verbal illustrations to provide context or offer analogies that make abstract
ideas more comprehensible.

Non-verbal illustrations encompass the use of gestures, body language, visuals,

and physical objects to convey meaning. These illustrations can be particularly
effective for students who are visual or kinesthetic learners.

Such illustrations transcend language barriers. They can be powerful tools for
conveying complex information and fostering a deeper level of understanding
among students.
Did You Know?
There is a very effective communication rule to achieve optimum
communication in the classroom. It is called the 7-38-55% rule. Read here to
know all about it.

Examples: A history or an English teacher may go for illustrations like pictures

and maps. While a science teacher may opt for live experiments or other visual
aids to explain the concept in discussion.

‍ ips for Improvement: Consider the backgrounds and interests of your students
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when selecting examples. Encourage students to come up with their own
examples to enhance their understanding.
8. Micro-Teaching Skill of Group Management
Group management is a critical skill in the practice of micro-teaching. It
involves effectively and efficiently overseeing a small group of students during
a teaching session.

This skill is essential for maintaining a conducive learning environment and

maximizing student engagement. It is also crucial in achieving the desired
learning outcomes. Successful group management ensures that students stay on
task, interact productively, and participate actively in the classroom.

‍ xamples: Implement clear expectations for group work, assign roles, and
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establish guidelines for respectful communication within the group.

‍ ips for Improvement: Practice proactive classroom management strategies,

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and address conflicts or disruptions promptly. Foster a sense of community
within the group to enhance collaboration.
9. Micro-Teaching Skill of Blackboard/Whiteboard Writing
The skill of blackboard or whiteboard writing is a fundamental aspect of
effective teaching. It involves the clear and organized presentation of
information on the board, making it visually accessible to students.

This skill encompasses several key components that contribute to its

effectiveness:
 Legibility: The teacher's handwriting must be clear and easily readable
by all students in the classroom. Illegible writing can lead to confusion
and hinder the learning process.
 Size and Alignment: Proper size and alignment of text and diagrams are
crucial. Text should be large enough to be seen from all corners of the
classroom, and alignment should be consistent to maintain visual clarity.
 Highlighting the Main Points: Effective blackboard writing involves
emphasizing key points or important information. This could be achieved
through underlining, bolding, or using a different color for emphasis.
Highlighting helps students identify critical content.
 Utilization of the Space: Efficient use of the board space is essential.
Teachers should avoid overcrowding or leaving too much blank space, as
both can be distracting.
 Blackboard/whiteboard Summary: Summarizing key points or concepts
on the board can help students grasp the main takeaways from the
lesson.
 Correctness: Accuracy in what is written on the board is paramount.
Errors or inaccuracies can lead to confusion and erode students' trust in
the teacher's expertise. So, make sure to give a quick glance at what
you’ve written before moving on with the explanation.
 Position of the Teacher: Your position while writing on the board is
essential. So, try standing to the side of the board, not blocking the view
for students. Use your body language to engage with the class while
writing.
 Contact with the Student: Maintaining eye contact and verbal interaction
with students while writing on the board fosters engagement. Remember
 to periodically turn to the class, explain the content verbally, and ask
questions to gauge understanding.‍
Examples: Use consistent formatting, such as bullet points or diagrams, to
enhance clarity. Prioritize key concepts and avoid overcrowding the board
with information.

‍ ips for Improvement: Practice legible and organized writing. Periodically

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pause to ensure students have enough time to copy information. Utilize
different colors or highlighters to emphasize important details.

Alright, now that you know so much about the nine essential micro-teaching
skills, you must be very excited to know how to use them practically for
maximum results in your classroom. Well, let’s explore that in the following
section.
Process of Using Micro-Teaching Skills in Classroom and Lesson Planning
In this section, let’s take a step further & bridge the gap between theory and
practice. This will ensure you are able to confidently implement micro-teaching
techniques in real-world teaching scenarios. So, let’s, delve into the practical
application of micro-teaching skills:
Using the Micro Teaching Cycle in the Classroom
Imagine you have a toolkit designed specifically to enhance your teaching skills
in a focused and efficient manner. That's exactly what the micro-teaching cycle
is—a structured yet flexible approach to improving teaching methods.
Let's break down how this cycle operates in an ideal classroom setting.
 Planning: Prepare a short lesson of not more than 15 minutes.
 Teaching (6 minutes): The cycle begins with a brief, concentrated
teaching session. In these 6 minutes, you focus on delivering a specific
skill or concept. It's all about clarity and precision here.
  Feedback (6 minutes): Right after teaching, you receive immediate
feedback. This 6-minute period is crucial for understanding the
effectiveness of your teaching and areas for improvement.
 Re-plan (12 minutes): Reflecting on the feedback, you spend the next 12
minutes re-planning your approach. This is where you modify your
teaching strategy, making it more tailored and effective.
 Re-teach (6 minutes): With your refined plan, you teach again for another
6 minutes. This is your opportunity to put into practice the improvements
you've ideated.
 Re-feedback (6 minutes): Finally, you receive another round of feedback.
This last 6-minute session helps you gauge the impact of the adjustments
you've made.

Pro-Tip
Want some ideas for collecting feedback around your teaching? Watch this
masterclass by Mr Peter G Beckway, who has an astounding 21+ years of
experience in education.

Here, he explores different feedback models and shares tips on how to

integrate them into your classroom.

Integrating Micro Teaching Skills into Lesson Plans

Now, let's talk about integrating these micro-teaching skills into your lesson
plans. This is where creativity meets methodology.

Step 1: Identify Your Focus Area

Start by pinpointing the specific skill or concept you want to enhance or teach.‍
Step 2: Design a Micro Lesson Plan
Tailor a short, 6-minute micro lesson plan focusing solely on that area.

Note: A micro lesson plan is nothing but a miniature version of a regular lesson
plan. It typically includes all of the same elements of a regular lesson plan but on
a smaller scale.‍
Step 3: Plan for Feedback
Decide how you will gather feedback—whether it's from a peer, mentor, or
even a recording of your session.
Step 4: Incorporate Flexibility for Re-planning
Ensure your lesson plan has room for modifications post-feedback.
Step 5: Execute and Reflect
‍Teach, receive feedback, and then re-teach. Reflect on the changes and their
impact.

Related Resource
Wondering how to reflect on your teaching in the right way? Watch this video
and learn some super effective reflection tips for teachers.

Excited to try it out? Here is a detailed step-by-step guide for implementing

micro-teaching skills into your lesson plans.

This guide will serve as a practical roadmap, ensuring you can seamlessly
integrate these techniques into your teaching practice.

Objective: Assume that you want to teach the basic concepts of the four
seasons and their characteristics.
Lesson Plan:
 Duration: A concise, 6-minute interactive session.
 Content: Use visual aids like charts or video clips to depict the
characteristics of each season (spring, summer, autumn, winter),
 highlighting key changes in weather, nature, and activities associated with
each.
 Methodology: Incorporate a mix of storytelling and questioning to engage
students. Use images or real-world examples to make the concept
relatable.
Feedback Focus:
 Aspects for Feedback: Clarity of content delivery, effectiveness of visual
aids, and engagement level of students.
 Feedback Method: Peer observation and student feedback through quick,
anonymous response cards.
First Teaching Session:
 Implementation: Deliver the lesson focusing on the vivid description of
each season, using visual aids.
 Observation: Have a colleague observe the session and take notes,
especially on student reactions and engagement.
Feedback Collection and Analysis:
 Immediate Reflection: Self-assess your clarity and pacing.
 Feedback Review: Discuss with your observer and read student feedback,
focusing on areas of improvement.
Re-planning for Re-teaching:
 Adjustments: Based on feedback, plan to include more interactive
elements like asking students to share their favorite season and why.
 Time Allocation: Spend around 12 minutes revising the plan, ensuring
these elements are well-integrated.
Re-teaching Session:
 Second Implementation: Teach the lesson again with the added
interactive elements.
 Adjustment Focus: Pay attention to how these changes affect student
engagement and understanding.
Second Round of Feedback:
 Collection: Gather feedback again, focusing on the effectiveness of the
new interactive elements.
 Evaluation: Assess if the interactive approach led to better engagement
and understanding.
Final Reflection and Documentation:
 Reflect: Reflect on the overall effectiveness of both sessions, noting
improvements and areas for further enhancement.
 Document: Record your experiences, feedback, and reflections for future
reference.
In this scenario, you're not just teaching the concept of seasons but also
engaging students actively, making the learning process more dynamic and
memorable. The key takeaway is the importance of adaptability and
responsiveness to feedback in enhancing the learning experience.

Free Resource
Want to have a fruitful micro-teaching session with your peer?
Download this micro-teaching feedback sheet for structured insights and
comprehensive reviews.
Download Now

Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of micro-teaching, we recognize its
transformative power in shaping modern education. Emerging from Stanford
University's innovative practices, micro-teaching has evolved into a
fundamental strategy for elevating teaching standards and enriching student
learning experiences.

Throughout this journey, we've delved into the heart of micro-teaching,

revealing how it deconstructs the intricate art of teaching into manageable
components, thereby promoting a culture of continuous growth and excellence.

As this article comes to a close, consider the insights and strategies shared here
as a resource for your professional toolkit. We would like to encourage you to
employ them in your teaching.

Armed with the information and tips here, we are confident that you are ready
to embark on this adventure and witness the wonders you can unfold in your
classroom.

Happy (micro) teaching!