Teaching Analysis Assignment - Teaching Journal

Read the article by Freeman (1989). Define your understanding on the four dimension of analyzing teaching with examples. Write in 1-2 pages.

Title: Teacher Training, Development, and Decision Making: A Model of Teaching and Related Strategies for Language Teacher Education.
Author: Donald Freeman

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Four dimension of analyzing teaching: Knowledge, skills, attitude, and awareness.

1) Knowledge: the subject, the students (background, learning styles, language levels), sociocultural, institutional, and situational contexts.
2) Skills: how to present materials, give clear instructions, correct errors, and manage classroom interaction and discipline.
3) Attitude: the stance toward myself, the activity of teaching, and the learners.

4) Awareness: the capacity to recognize and monitor the attention one is giving or has given to something. It integrates Knowledge, skills and attitude.

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My examples of four dimensions

1) Knowledge

First of all, Ts need their own English ability, not only of four skills, but also of cultural matters and their own native language (Japanese).
Second, Ts need the knowledge on teaching, including how to communicate with Ss, how to use the blackboard effectively, and so on.
Third, Ts must know about Ss; their living/academic background, their interest, and so on.
These consist of the first dimension, 'knowledge'.

2) Skills

Skills mean how to use knowledge effectively. Even if I can improve my English ability, and even if I can get a lot of precious knowledge on English teaching, it has no meaning unless I get used to using them. In order to utilize knowledge, we need experience to get used to the knowledge, which means 'Skills'.

3) Attitude

In short, it is Ts' motivation in my understanding. Even if I know a lot about English and education, and even if I am good at using them, it is meaningless unless I have a determination to use them, and have a good relationship with coworkers or Ss. 'Attitude' is indispensable for this.

4) Awareness

I had not known what I do not know before I took this course. By watching the video of my lesson, and writing journals, I could find what I was not conscious of. I knew that my level of English is not enough, and I knew that I can improve my teaching skills, but I did not know that there are other things I should know: eye contact, speed of delivery, and Ss' feelings toward my lesson. Knowledge, skills, and attitude are something I learn from others, but awareness is something I learn by myself. This is what I have learned about 'Awareness' so far.