Kasper - CO 1

This past Tuesday, I observed Karin's grammar class. The lesson of the day was present perfect. At first there were only 4 students in the class and slowly other students kept coming in late. Karin began the lesson with a quick check of the homework, a crossword puzzle. After she introduced the lesson of the day, gave the students some examples sentences on a handout and the class read them together. Next she showed a clip of the movie "Dirty Dancing" and asked students to pay attention to the lyrics of the music that included the topic of the lesson "have had" and to write it down. Afterwards, she paired the students for a "get to know you" activity. The students were supposed to ask each other 5 personal questions and use the "Have had" or "Have been". She gave them some examples on the board and on a handout then set them to work. Most of the students seem to respond to the activity and were able to ask each other questions but some pairs were very quiet. This went on for about 10 minutes, afterwards each pair came up to the front of the class and shared their questions by "performing" the interview. After each pair presented, Karin addressed the mistakes and praised them. She gave the class a quick homework assignment and sent them on their way.
Throughout the lesson Karin kept a great attitude and was always smiling. She gave many examples, wrote them on the board and reinforced when students did something good. The use of the movie as a teaching tool and cultural piece was a great idea. Also, she was not afraid to tell the students when she was wrong which is important for students to know. When the students were working in pairs, she paired with a student that was by himself but she was always aware of the time and continued to walk around the class. She did a great job of keeping the class moving when the late students showed up. I like that she knew all their names and in the beginning of the class welcomed them and thanked them for being in class at the end.