On 10/30/08, Chemteacher wrote:
> HI, has anyone done a demo lesson for high school
> chemistry? I have never done one and would like some
> insight. I heard that you should have activities for
> interaction. Has anyone done a demo lesson in chemistry
> and was successful? I am not sure what topic should I do
> in, I need some help. Thanks.
Since I'm not a chemistry teacher, I don't have any specific
lessons to recommend. But I have been on teacher hiring
committees and I can recommend that you keep the lesson
engaging and interesting. Even though this should go
without saying, it's still easier said than done. :)
Suggestions:
1. I'd recommend a demonstration, rather than an
independent lab-type activity. This keeps you in control at
all times. And you can still get kids involved by asking
them to "help" you (pour, mix, whatever). And you can get
them engaged by haaving them predict what will happen.
2. Keep traditional lecture at a minimum. You'll turn of
students... and your observers.
3. Have a detailed, type-written lesson plan for each of
the observers. They can use it follow along with your
lesson. Be sure it has state standards listed on it.
4. Try to appeal to different learning styles (auditory,
visual, and kinesthetic) and multiple intelligences. In
other words, be sure you have some kind of visual aids for
the kids who learn best by seeing. Be sure you have some
interactive element for the kinesthetic/tactile kids. And
for the auditory kids, try some using some catchy words or
phrases that will help them remember the concept.
5. Be super, ultra organized. Have everything preprinted,
prepackaged, and ready-to-go. You don't want to spend you
time fumbling through papers and opening packages and
searching for materials. Before the lesson, lay out
everything you need and besure you can access it quickly.
6. Classroom management is essential. Don't give the
kids "down time" where they could be off-task. Give lots of
positive reinforcement. Make sure you're lesson is so
interesting the kids will WANT to behave. :)
7. Don't teach anything too complex. You may want to
review a concept they already know. If you teach something
new-- and they don't get it-- then you won't feel successful
and interviewers will notice. Besides, they're not having
you teach a lesson so the kids can come away with amazing
new knowledge-- they're having you teach a demo lesson to
see how you interact with a class.
8. Try not to be nervous. Smile. And let your real
teaching personality shine through.
I hope this helps. Best of luck!
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