Anne - CO #1

CO #1 - Grammar (4B)

Date & Time:  January 8, 2016, 9:00-9:50

Topic/Skill:   Reducing Adverb Clauses

Teacher Presentation:  Teacher began by asking students to define/describe an “adverb clause.”  She also asked students to name a few subordinating conjunctions and to use them in a sentence.  She then gave three rules for reducing adverb clauses.  She provided a short scenario for students to think about and make notes on before discussing it with a partner, using reduced adverb clauses with different subordinating conjunctions.  While students worked, the instructor walked around and took notes.  After reviewing students’ input and providing corrective feedback, she gave students a writing assignment in which to use reduced adverb clauses.  She collected these to critique.

The second topic was separable and inseparable phrasal verbs.  She introduced this concept and had students work on an activity in the book.  She went over the meaning of several of these verbs.  Students were given a card game to play.

Materials:  Instructor used projected material, the board, and a card game.

Student Participation:  Students participated in discussion, in pairs, and in small groups.  They also did independent writing.

Feedback Provided:  Instructor gave feedback as needed during the class. She collected writing worksheets to critique before the next class.

Lessons on Teaching: The students I heard discussing were having difficulty reducing adverb phrases and needed much more practice.  Instructor told students that “this is something you can practice a little at a time,” and went on to second topic.  I think students would have been better served by sticking with the first one.  Lesson learned:  Don’t try to cover too much and check for real understanding before moving on.