The Ultimate Guide to Micro-Teaching in the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)
Steve Kirk Career Advice, Tutor Training 0
The Micro-Teach stands at the heart of the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). It’s a unique technique, allowing educators to refine their teaching skills. This guide explains how to excel in micro-teaching, a key component of the AET.
Understanding Micro-Teaching
What is Micro-Teaching?
In simple terms, micro-teaching is a scaled-down teaching session. It’s ideal for AET candidates. This method lets you focus on specific teaching skills, like lesson planning, delivery, and student engagement.
Its Role in the Level 3 Award in Education and Training
For AET students, micro-teaching is more than a practice run. It’s a critical step in becoming a proficient educator. It tests your ability to convey information effectively and creatively.
Planning Your AET Micro-Teach Session
Setting Objectives
Begin with clear goals. What do you want your learners to take away? Each objective should align with Level 3 Award in Education and Training standards.
Choosing the Right Topic for your Micro-Teach
Take your time when picking a topic for your micro-teach. 15 Minutes is not very long so keep your subject simple. Try to think of an idea that does not involve grasping a difficult concept. Most students doing the AET course find it better to pick one item in a topic rather than the whole topic. For example, rather than do a micro-teach about types of knots it would be better to concentrate on the three most common types.
If you are stuck for ideas download our list of Brooks and Kirk 100 Micro-Teach Ideas for you to consider.
Preparing AET-Focused Materials
Gather resources that support your teaching. Think about visual aids, handouts, and digital tools. Make them relevant and engaging.
Lesson Planning for Your Micro-Teach
Craft a lesson plan that’s structured yet flexible. It should cover key points while allowing for student interaction. Using a template like the one used in the video below will help you with this or you could purchase our Micro Teach Lesson Plan Template + 20-page Exclusive Guide to Creating an Engaging Micro Teach Lesson Plan. For full details please see the bottom of the page.
Executing a Successful AET Micro-Teach Session
Step-by-Step Execution
Start strong. Engage your audience from the get-go. Use a mix of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles.
Classroom Management
Keep control of your session. Manage time effectively and maintain a positive learning environment.
Engaging Techniques for AET Learners
Use questions, group discussions, and practical activities. Keep your learners active and involved.
Time Management
Stick to your schedule. A balance between covering all your material and allowing for discussion is essential.
Essential Teaching Techniques for AET Micro-Teaching
Interactive Approaches
Encourage participation. Make learning a two-way street. Use real-world examples to make concepts relatable.
Integrating Technology
Leverage technology to enhance learning. Use multimedia presentations, online quizzes, and interactive whiteboards.
Feedback Strategies
Feedback is crucial. Offer constructive criticism and encourage peer feedback. This fosters a learning community within your class.
Addressing Challenges Specific to Micro-Teaching
Overcoming Anxiety
It’s normal to feel nervous. Prepare thoroughly and practice. Confidence comes with experience.
Balancing Content and Time
Don’t cram too much into one session. Focus on key points. Make your session comprehensive yet digestible.
Engaging Diverse Learners
Recognise that learners have different needs. Adapt your approach to cater to a variety of learning styles.
Key points to remember when delivering your Micro-teach
- Rehearse your Micro-Teach beforehand to ensure smooth delivery. Try to get feedback from a friend or your partner.
- Start a timer running just before you start to help keep an eye on the time. Remember you only have 15 minutes.
- Begin by relaxing with deep breaths, smiling, and maintaining eye contact. Introduce yourself clearly and outline the session’s aim.
- Adjust your speaking style to be louder and slower, particularly if nervousness tends to affect your speech.
- Keep your session plan accessible, highlighting key points as reminders. This will help if your mind goes blank or if you need a quick reference.
- Engage your learners from the start by asking about their prior experience with the topic, building rapport and assessing their knowledge level.
- Address each learner by name during the session, possibly using a pre-drawn seating plan for reference.
- Encourage interaction and questions from learners throughout, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
- Utilise a range of teaching techniques and activities to keep the session interesting and cater to different learning styles.
- Regularly summarise key points and be prepared with extra activities or know what can be condensed if time constraints arise.
Feedback and Improvement in Micro-Teaching
Emphasising Feedback
Feedback is the backbone of improvement. All Level 3 Award in Education and Training learners need to embrace it. Encourage learners to provide honest, constructive feedback on your session.
Using Criticism for AET Improvement
Don’t shy away from criticism. Use it to refine your teaching methods. Reflect on comments and adapt your approach.
Refining Teaching Methods for AET Success
Continuous refinement is key. Take feedback on board. Tailor your teaching to meet the evolving needs of learners.
Assessing Micro-Teaching Success
Setting AET-Aligned Learning Outcomes
Define clear, measurable outcomes for your sessions. Ensure they align with Level 3 Award in Education and Training standards. This helps in assessing your effectiveness.
Self-Assessment Tools for AET Educators
Self-reflection is crucial. Use tools like reflective journals or video recordings of your sessions to evaluate your performance.
Utilising Peer and Mentor Feedback
Seek feedback from peers and mentors. Their insights can offer a new perspective on your teaching style and effectiveness.
Advanced Strategies for Micro-Teaching
Innovative Practices in Education and Training
Stay ahead of the curve. Explore new teaching methodologies and technologies. Integrate them into your sessions to keep them fresh and engaging.
Adapting to Various Teaching Environments
Be adaptable. Each teaching environment is different. Flexibility in your approach is crucial for success.
Professional Growth through AET-Focused Micro-Teaching
View each micro-teaching session as a growth opportunity. Embrace challenges as chances to learn and evolve as an educator.
Final thoughts on your Micro-Teach
Micro-teaching is a vital part of the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. It’s not just about delivering content. It’s about connecting with learners, inspiring them, and continuously improving. Use this guide as a roadmap. Remember, every educator starts somewhere. With dedication and practice, you’ll hone your skills and become an effective, inspiring teacher.
Micro Teach Resources
Micro Teach Lesson Plan Template + 20-page Exclusive Guide to Creating an Engaging Micro Teach Lesson Plan
- Instant Digital Download (.docx & .pdf)
- Create an Engaging Lesson Plan Fast
- Designed For Educational Practitioners
- Used As A Resource in Our L3 AET Qualification
What Is In The Micro Teach Lesson Plan Template
This versatile Micro Teach Template makes it easy to design engaging lessons for your learners. It includes sections for you to integrate; British Values, English, Math and ICT learning opportunities.
This isn’t just a template; it’s your all-in-one toolkit for creating lessons that meet all educational standards and will help you engage with your learners. Compatible with Microsoft Word and Google Docs this downloadable file will be in a .docx format.
Your 20-page PDF Guide to Create an Engaging Microteaching Lesson Plan
This guide was reserved exclusively for students enrolled on our Level 3 Award in Education and Training qualification. However, due to repeated requests, we are now making this available to everyone. Our exclusive 20-page PDF Guide is a deep dive into all aspects of planning a micro teach and helps you make your lesson as good as it can possibly be. Get it today, and let the transformation of your teaching approach begin!
Steve is a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
He provides Educational Consultancy to the 19+ sector as well as being an Assessor, IQA, EPA and Digital Marketing Professional. When not doing any of these he finds time, every now and then, to write blogs and articles.