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This unit provides videos of two lesson demonstrations that cover the same material, but are taught in different manners by the same teacher. Consequently, the videos allow the viewer to observe and determine what makes a lesson effective or ineffective based on what he/she sees the teacher doing throughout the lesson (as well as how the students react and participate in class). Viewing the videos helped me to understand that there are many aspects which contribute to an effective lesson. For example, miming and gestures are great aids for students' understanding alongside what is being said or taught it class; a teacher can mime action verbs or make gestures that illustrate what an animal looks like. (So regardless of any language barrier, the students can understand what is being communicated through visual aids.) Even something as small as a smile is helpful; it makes the teacher appear warm, kind, and welcoming, so the students can feel relaxed and comfortable to participate in class as well as approach the teacher for help. On the other hand, I also learned what can make a lesson ineffective, such as a condescending attitude towards the students (which can drastically discourage students from participating or speaking up in class). Although the teacher can't control everything in the classroom, there are many things that a teacher can prepare, plan, and do to best ensure that a lesson runs smoothly (e.g., students understand the content, worksheets can be completed, activities can be done) and that the students get the most out of the lesson.
