::OBSERVATIONS::
Spanish I with Mr. L
(period 3, observed 2/6/03)
The class is set up in rows facing the blackboard, with not more than four seats in each row. On the blackboard, Mr. L has written several phrases (some in English, some in Spanish) in very neat handwriting. As students copy down the phrases, Mr. L circulates the classroom and checks homework which most of the students have completed. There are some students who are having side conversations and not writing down the assignment.
There is a relaxed environment in this classroom. Mr. L sits in the back of the classroom and throws out questions and gives feedback. They go over the phrases on the board. Students feel comfortable calling out and answering while others are more passive. Sometimes, there were times when Mr. L would address the side conversations by saying “yo” or “hey”. After going over the right answers, Mr. L introduces new vocabulary and explains the difference between “tocar and jugar”. At this point, he uses the board, gives examples, and a short lecture. Students take notes (except for three students).
::ANALYSIS::
I think the students in the class are pretty comfortable in this learning environment which I feel is important. I remember hating my spanish classes because it was an unfamiliar subject and there was always a chance of being called on to talk aloud in spanish. Mr. L is a very easygoing teacher who talks to the students in a very informal, friendly way even during the lecture. He uses his sense of humor to engage the students. Because he is a very tall African American male teacher, I think he commands the respect and authority of his students very easily despite his friendly nature. He just has to say “yo” to get their attention and be quiet. In terms of his lesson plans, they are quite simple, basic and clear so that students know exactly what they learn that day. I am not sure if Mr. L does anything beyond the basic content knowledge in terms of multicultural education or role plays or cooperative group work or any other student-centered learning objectives. Because this is beginning spanish class, there was not much dialogue in spanish. I am not sure how Mr. L is assessing the students’ language comprehension and oral speaking abilities beyond the homework. Though the curriculum and pedagogy was not really progressive or revolutionary, Mr. L does a good job of teaching the material and students for the most part I think learn from and enjoy the class.