SCHOOL PLACEMENT 1
Student: Andy Daly
Date: 24/11/17
OBSERVATION
I observed the junior room
this week, the class teacher
had arranged the students
into groups of four at each
table. This allowed each
student to work in mixed
groups socially, academically
and in gender.
2016/2017
Class Observed: Junior Infants-third Class
Topic: Working In Groups
CRITICAL REFLECTION ON THE OBSERVATION
I believe that by creating groups, skills for the students and
the teacher, can be greatly improved as many teachers have
used this approach to develop their teaching skills (Chris
Kyriacou 2007, P14). I think that group work is very
beneficial as it allows the teacher to understand different
types of students. It gives the teacher the opportunity to
develop skills such as talking in front of groups of large
numbers which can be challenging for some people. I find it
difficult at times to stand up in front of any size group of
people, so therefore I believe by having students in groups,
the teacher feels more relaxed in the classroom. Also there is
a range of ability in the classroom and I believe that students
both socially and academically can improve from their own
peers as (Chris Kyriacou 2007, P 48) tells us that " some
schools wish to make use of the advantages of having mixed
ability groups in allowing pupils from different backgrounds
to mix socially and academically" . I believe it is very
important for friendships to mix as wel, there has to be a
balance between the social aspect of school and the
importance of learning. By mixing students with different
academic levels there can be many advantages. I think by
placing a student of a higher academic level with a student of
a lower academic level benefits both parties, both students
will increase their academic levels as they will be learning
from each others opinions, as both opinions can be brought
into one and therefore both levels of academia will be
increased. I believe that mixing groups by gender is an
excellent way for the students to learn from the opposite
gender, different ideas can be expressed and thus a
discussion between the genders can be seen. Also I think that
this will decrease the levels of social awkwardness between
the two genders as they are conversing together by agreeing
or disagreeing while trying to learn together. Personally,
mixed groups are very important for society as the students
are the future also. When the students earn a degree and get a
job they will have to work with the opposite gender so
therefore it is quite important to mix the group in gender.
SCHOOL PLACEMENT 1 2016/2017

Bibliography

Kyriacou, C 2007. Essential Teaching Skills 3rd edtion, Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Ltd.