Micro-teaching is an educational technique that allows teachers to practice and refine their teaching skills in a controlled environment. It typically involves a short teaching session followed by feedback and reflection. The micro-teaching cycle generally consists of several key stages:
-
Planning: In this stage, the teacher prepares the lesson plan, outlining the objectives, content, methods, and assessment strategies for the micro-teaching session.
Relation to Skinner's Theory: When planning, teachers can apply Skinner’s principles by identifying specific behaviors they want to reinforce in students. By setting clear learning objectives, the teacher can create an environment where desired student responses (reinforced behaviors) are achieved, much like establishing conditions for operant conditioning.
-
Teaching: The teacher presents the lesson to a small group of peers or students, running through the planned activities.
Relation to Skinner's Theory: During the teaching stage, the application of operant conditioning becomes crucial. The teacher can use reinforcement techniques, such as praise or rewards, to encourage positive student behavior and engagement. Additionally, the teacher can observe student responses and adapt the teaching methods accordingly, recognizing which behaviors are being reinforced and modifying the approach as necessary.
-
Feedback: After the teaching session, feedback is provided by peers or instructors. This feedback should encompass both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.
Relation to Skinner's Theory: According to Skinner, feedback functions as a form of reinforcement. Positive feedback can reinforce the effective teaching behaviors displayed during the lesson, while constructive criticism can guide the teacher on areas needing improvement, encouraging the development of more effective strategies in future lessons.
-
Re-teaching: Based on the feedback received, the teacher revises their lesson and may re-teach part or all of the lesson, incorporating the feedback to improve their practice.
Relation to Skinner's Theory: In this stage, the teacher applies the concept of shaping, a process in operant conditioning where successive approximations of desired behavior are reinforced. By integrating feedback and revising strategies, the teacher incrementally improves their teaching effectiveness, providing a clearer pathway to successful student engagement and understanding.
-
Reflection and Evaluation: After re-teaching, the teacher reflects on what worked well and what didn’t, evaluating their own performance and the learning outcomes.
Relation to Skinner's Theory: Reflection resembles the evaluation phase of operant conditioning, where one analyzes the outcomes of their actions. By considering which teaching techniques resulted in successful learning outcomes, teachers can reinforce effective strategies for future use, contributing to a continuous cycle of improvement and adaptation in their teaching methods.
In summary, each stage of the micro-teaching cycle is influenced by Skinner's theory of operant conditioning, as it emphasizes the importance of reinforcement, feedback, and adaptability in teaching practices. By applying these principles, teachers can create more effective learning environments and improve their instructional abilities.