Self-assessment

Self-assessment can be a powerful technique for the teacher who chooses to work independently to determine personal strengths and improve his/her teaching strategies and skills. The following
suggests ways to self-evaluate teaching and classroom management styles. (Refer to the Supervision section of this manual for a more detailed description of observation techniques and procedures).

Prepare a checklist (such as the one which follows) of important pedagogical aspects mentioned in this manual as a way to periodically evaluate your teaching.

- Are you clear about your objectives for the lesson?

- Is the lesson well planned?

- Are you going to be using visual aids in the lesson and are these visual aids prepared before the lesson?

- Do the planned learning activities provide opportunities for student participation?

- Are the activities varied and stimulating for the students?

- Are directions presented in a clear fashion? Are you sure that the students understand your directions and explanations?

- Do you greet the students before the lesson in a manner that lets them know that you are serious about your teaching and you enjoy being with them?

- Do you include a review or warm-up exercise after you have greeted the students?

- Do you give positive feedback to individual students or the whole class when their performance/behavior is good?

- Do you address the students by name?

- Do you talk to the whole class? Do you maintain good eye contact and project your voice so that all students in the class can hear you without difficulty?

- Is your appearance culturally appropriate?

2. Ask other teachers to observe your teaching (using a checklist or guidelines similar to the one above)

3. Use class meetings as a way to get student feedback and at the same time to talk to students informally. (It must be remembered that students are not used to evaluating their teacher so comments may not be as candid and sincere as you might want).

4. Test students periodically either formally or informally to evaluate their understanding of material presented.

5. Use written evaluations by supervisors or students as a way of collecting feedback on your teaching effectiveness.

Puzzle 11

By evaluating yourself periodically, you can get valuable insights that will make your teaching not only more effective but also much more enjoyable.