Online Micro-teaching

I really enjoyed the flexibility and convenience of teaching online. It allowed me to reach a wider audience and engage students in interactive activities using digital tools. I appreciated the ability to easily share resources with students. It made it easier for them to access content at their own pace.

However, I did miss the in-person interaction and the ability to see students' reactions and body language. It's sometimes challenging to gauge their understanding and provide immediate feedback. Building relationships with students can also be more difficult in an online setting. Despite the limitations, it can be a valuable tool for reaching and teaching students in various settings and circumstances. Through this experience, I learned several new skills that have enhanced my teaching abilities. Firstly, I developed proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for online teaching. I learned how to create engaging PowerPoint presentations, share resources, and incorporate interactive activities using virtual manipulatives. These skills have allowed me to create dynamic and interactive lessons that capture students' attention and promote active learning. Secondly, I honed my ability to adapt and modify teaching strategies to suit the online environment. I learned how to effectively communicate and explain mathematical concepts through virtual means, such as using clear and concise language and providing visual aids. I also learned how to facilitate discussions and encourage student participation through online platforms, ensuring that every student has a chance to contribute and learn. Additionally, I developed stronger organisational and time management skills. Planning and delivering online lessons require careful preparation and coordination to ensure a smooth and seamless learning experience. I learned how to structure my lessons effectively, manage resources, and allocate time for different activities, all while considering the unique challenges of online teaching. Furthermore, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of student engagement and feedback in an online setting. I learned how to use digital tools like Quizizz to create interactive quizzes that not only assess students' understanding but also motivate them to actively participate in the learning process. I also learned how to provide timely and constructive feedback to students, both individually and as a group, to support their learning and growth. If I were to do it differently, I would make sure to provide more opportunities for student collaboration and discussion. Online platforms can sometimes limit the interaction, so finding ways to encourage student participation and engagement would be a priority. In future mathematics lessons, I would incorporate more opportunities for students to think critically and apply their knowledge in creative ways. I would ask thought-provoking questions that challenge them to think beyond the standard procedures and formulas. By encouraging them to think outside the box, it would deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and foster problem-solving skills. To test their knowledge and understanding, I would implement a variety of assessment strategies. Along with traditional quizzes and tests, I would incorporate more open-ended questions and real-world application tasks. This would allow students to demonstrate their understanding in different contexts and showcase their ability to apply mathematical concepts to practical situations. In addition to individual assessments, I would also incorporate more collaborative activities and discussions. This would provide opportunities for students to engage in peer-to-peer learning, share their ideas, and learn from each other's perspectives. To support their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, I would provide more challenging problems that require higher-order thinking. These problems would require students to analyse, synthesise, and evaluate information, encouraging them to think deeply and develop logical reasoning skills.

I believe the tools I chose, like PowerPoint, virtual manipulatives, and Quizizz, were appropriate for teaching the online lesson. They allowed for visual representation, interactivity, and assessment, which are important aspects of effective teaching. These tools helped me engage students and assess their understanding in a virtual environment. I also used interactive activities to actively involve students in the learning process. For example, I incorporated an online quiz. This activity allowed students to actively explore mathematical concepts and apply their knowledge in a hands-on manner. By providing opportunities for active participation, it helped students develop a deeper understanding of the material. Furthermore, I utilized communication tools such as Blackboard Collaborate. These tools allowed for real-time communication, group discussions, and peer-to-peer learning. By creating a collaborative learning environment, it encouraged students to actively participate and learn from each other. These tools helped students grasp mathematical concepts, apply their knowledge, and interact with their peers. By leveraging appropriate tools, I aimed to create a dynamic and effective online mathematics lesson.

This experience of teaching a math lesson online has been valuable in developing my skills as a teacher in a school setting. It has allowed me to explore new methods of instruction and adapt to the digital learning environment. I have become more comfortable with using digital tools and platforms, which will be beneficial for incorporating technology in future lessons. By using a PowerPoint presentation and visuals, I learned how to create engaging and interactive content that can capture students' attention and facilitate their understanding of abstract concepts like 3D objects. This experience has taught me the importance of incorporating visual aids and multimedia resources to enhance the learning experience for students. Engaging students in interactive activities and providing virtual manipulatives has helped me develop my ability to design hands-on learning experiences in a virtual setting. It has challenged me to think creatively and find innovative ways to make learning meaningful and interactive, even when students are not physically present. Additionally, teaching online has honed my communication and organisation skills. I have learned to communicate instructions clearly and concisely, as well as manage virtual classroom dynamics and ensure that all students have equal opportunities to participate and learn. Overall, this online teaching experience has enhanced my skills as an educator in both virtual and traditional classroom settings. It has taught me to be adaptable, creative, and resourceful in my instructional practices, and has prepared me to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education.

- Nabihah Hassein Mahomed