This page has general information and examples about microteaching demonstrations.
Microteaching is designed to bridge theory and practice in the TESOL program. It gives you an opportunity to apply teaching skills in a realistic, supportive classroom environment.
It involves planning and teaching part of a lesson, followed by feedback and self-reflection.
Lesson length: Follow the time limit specified for your course (typically 15–20 minutes).
Teach normally: Teach at a realistic pace. Do not rush or skip important teaching steps.
Allow participation: Give students sufficient time to complete tasks, activities and discussion questions.
You do not need to finish the whole lesson: Focus on demonstrating effective teaching rather than covering everything.
Check understanding: Use appropriate checking questions (ICQs and CCQs), examples and demonstrations.
Include interaction: Give students opportunities to work individually, in pairs or in groups, as appropriate.
Check answers: Allow time for feedback and checking students' responses.
Conclude appropriately: If time permits, briefly summarise the lesson or explain what would happen next.
Consider the following points when planning and delivering your lesson.
Have a clear lesson aim and learning objectives.
Organise activities in a logical sequence.
Make sure activities are appropriate for your learners' age and proficiency level.
Allow sufficient time for each activity.
Make sure activities contribute to the overall lesson aim.
Use clear, simple and natural classroom English.
Give instructions in manageable steps.
Check that students understand instructions before starting activities (ICQs).
Demonstrate activities rather than relying only on verbal explanations.
Provide examples so students understand what they are expected to do.
Speak clearly and use appropriate volume.
Use natural intonation and stress to communicate meaning.
Adjust your speaking speed to suit your learners.
Use gestures, facial expressions and eye contact.
Build rapport and create a positive classroom atmosphere.
Encourage students to participate actively.
Give students sufficient time to think and respond.
Use pairwork and groupwork where appropriate.
Balance teacher talking time (TTT) and student talking time (STT).
Monitor students while they complete activities.
Present new language in a meaningful context.
Use clear and accurate examples.
Help students understand meaning, not just memorise rules.
Draw attention to important language features.
Provide opportunities for students to practise and use new language.
Use ICQs to check understanding of instructions.
Use CCQs to check understanding of vocabulary, grammar and meaning.
Monitor student progress during activities.
Check answers and provide appropriate feedback.
Correct errors sensitively and purposefully.
Prepare all materials before the lesson.
Make sure slides, worksheets and other resources are clear and easy to use.
Use visuals, objects and other resources when they support learning.
Make sure technology works before the demonstration.
Below are links to teaching demonstrations by experienced elementary school teachers. These lessons focus on teaching vocabulary and grammar.
As you watch, pay attention to the following:
Classroom English.
Voice, intonation and pronunciation.
Pace of language and activities.
Giving clear instructions.
Checking understanding of instructions (ICQs).
Checking understanding of vocabulary and grammar (CCQs).
The sequence and stages of the lesson.
How activities are introduced, organised and managed.
Modelling or demonstrating activities.
Modelling language by providing clear examples.
How grammar is taught in meaningful contexts and connected to communication.
Think about which teaching techniques you could apply to your own lessons.
Teaching demonstration video examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byOXupagxIY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcNHC9Nn8Ss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUTC5YIJZxk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vLpgPXTgfc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSTJPCO-g0M
Microteaching is an opportunity to practise, experiment and develop your teaching skills.
Focus on clear teaching, meaningful learning activities and active student participation. Use feedback as an opportunity to reflect on your strengths and identify areas for improvement.
Remember: Effective teaching is not about covering as much content as possible. It is about helping learners understand and learn.