Pedagogical Contents
Teaching methods of my cooperating teachers
While observing the way my cooperating teacher taught, I observed that they tried to use a lot of strategies that they could employ. They put the student at the center of the learning process and give them a voice in what they are learning, and most of the time, the students are working on individual and group activities. Teachers used Thai language in teaching as this is their communicative language for them to understand the lessons.
I also observed that teachers just help guide students. When students are given tasks, such as reporting, they need to learn to direct their own learning, ask questions, and explore more ideas and pieces of information to complete the tasks. With group work tasks, students could create collaborative learning that will enhance their knowledge and improve their social skills.
Proper time management was also observed when they were teaching. Even though the class only lasted for 50 minutes, everything finished on time. From providing a short review of the prior lesson, a short motivational activity, a brief teacher discussion, group exercises, and generalization.
As a future educator, I realized that we should use different teaching methods to cater to the needs of every student, and as I observed, the student-centered method is effective in this modern era as it establishes a safe and welcoming space for all students where they feel like they belong in the classroom and their voice is being heard. This method suits the needs of each student, and they can feel that they are respected not just by their teacher but also by their fellow students. Most importantly, this method focuses on cooperation rather than competition. Students work together to support and help each other. Thus, it fosters a sense of belonging and provides students with the skills they need to succeed in the real world.
Their learning materials and innovation/Sources of learning and technology used by the teachers
The use of technology and learning materials in the classroom today has completely changed how teachers teach and how students learn. These technologies and learning materials have created new opportunities by giving students and teachers access to a multitude of information and tools.
During my practice teaching in the demonstration school at Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University, Thailand, I observed that different learning materials and technology were used in implementing the lesson.
The school used advanced technology such as projectors, speakers, laptops, iPads, books, and computers to support the teaching-learning process, and these different materials and technologies enabled teachers to be innovative, allowing them to successfully implement new ideas and create value for the students.
The school provided these technologies and learning materials so that the learning and teaching processes became adequate. They also make sure that the classroom environment is well-ventilated and safe to make it more comfortable for the students to learn and the teacher to impart knowledge.
Authentic assessment used by the teachers
My cooperating teacher assesses students' learning using a variety of authentic assessments. I believe that giving them assessments before, during, and after the classes gives students a chance to put their knowledge into practice and enables them to interpret what they have learned.
