BSL mini course ( Observed ) - Week starting 13/01/14

Monday - 3pm - 4pm

Tuesday - 2pm - 3pm

Wednesday - 3pm - 4pm

It was very satisfying to see that the vast majority of the students had taken the time to practice what we had considered the previous week, I was especially impressed to see a number of individuals from each class quickly understand the names of fellow students as I finger-spelled the names with increasing speed. Many people are keen to learn a few signs, but it is easy to ignore the receptive skills that are equally as important. Conversations should be two way!

Thankfully the attendees increased in number this week and were keen to move on with this week's plan and I was happy to see that the varied activities seemed to work - time line on the floor, whole class conversation building and colour vocabulary linked to images.

This was my first week that I had some minor behaviour management issues to address. Both were to do with the use of mobile phones... So what did I do? Well I tried two different low key approaches from the PEP list - Proximity; Eye contact and Pose a question.

Firstly, I used the question approach. Using the student's name I asked a question, not one to embarrass, but asked whether what was being discussed was something they had personally experienced?

Secondly, I hovered, using the proximity approach.

Both worked a treat and I had to say very little.

It did come to my attention that one class this week was a little more rowdy. After a conversation with the students it became clear in my mind exactly why... They had just had a two hour English lesson and had been asked to come immediately to my lesson... I think I would have been a bit fidgety too. We agreed to give the class a 10 minute break, I am keen to see how this works in the weeks to come.

Areas for improvement :

I was given my observation this week, my areas for improvement and personal comments can be seen on the forms.