NOTE: If I had it my way, the classroom would be set up completely different, and I would have a carpet in the classroom to do my morning meetings at. Unfortunately, the class came pre-decorated and pre-set-up, so I just have to make do with what I have. FORTUNATELY, I only have 7 students in the class, and they can all perfectly see the calendar from their seats.
Earlier this week, I wanted to add something different to the blog, considering it's been awhile since I've consistently updated, so I decided to record myself doing my morning meetings with my students. This way, I could observe myself teaching and critique myself as needed. I figured this would be a great way to remember my first year experience teaching abroad, reflect on my teaching style, and to compare and contrast the vast differences between teaching at home and abroad. Obviously there's a HUGE difference between the two, one being that I taught at a public school with a class size of 22 students, and in South Korea, I'm currently teaching at a hagwon with a class size of 7. Need I say more?
The school I taught at last year incorporated Kagan strategies into the classroom, which is basically cooperative learning to increase student participation so that there's full engagement within the classroom setting. I absolutely love it! However, I will say, it's vital to build classroom community prior to incorporating Kagan strategies into your lessons - I learned the hard way last year, and it made teaching Kagan strategies a tad bit difficult to do with my kids.
As I was watching the video of me doing my morning meeting, I realized I only allowed one chance for my students to turn and talk to one another, and even then, it was completely teacher driven. In my opinion, incorporating Kagan into the classroom, especially if you're teaching English, would be so beneficial to your students - something I will definitely be doing more of with my kindergarten kids.
The school I taught at last year incorporated Kagan strategies into the classroom, which is basically cooperative learning to increase student participation so that there's full engagement within the classroom setting. I absolutely love it! However, I will say, it's vital to build classroom community prior to incorporating Kagan strategies into your lessons - I learned the hard way last year, and it made teaching Kagan strategies a tad bit difficult to do with my kids.
As I was watching the video of me doing my morning meeting, I realized I only allowed one chance for my students to turn and talk to one another, and even then, it was completely teacher driven. In my opinion, incorporating Kagan into the classroom, especially if you're teaching English, would be so beneficial to your students - something I will definitely be doing more of with my kindergarten kids.