Observation Table, Task 1:

Reasons for speaking in the classroom

Class: grade 1

Number of learners:

Length of lesson: 1 period

22 children

Teacher observed: Khadija

Language Learning Goals: teach them some simple words

Materials used: students book

Reason for speaking

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

1
0

Learner repeats word(s) after teacher

- (whole class together)
Learner repeats word(s) after teacher
- (group / pair together)
Learner repeats word / phrase after teacher
- (individual )
Learner answers direct question from teacher
Learner answers open question from teacher
Learner asks teacher a question
Learner answers a partner in English
- (pair/ group work activity)
Learner answers a partner in Arabic
- (pair/ group work activity)
Learner speaks to the teacher informally
- (Add E for English; A for Arabic)

Learner
A(Mlaka
)

Learne
r
B(Alia)

Learne
r
C(Ree
m)

Other reason(s) for speaking :

Learner sing the song (whole class together)
Learner sing the song (group)

After the Observation

Write your answers in the boxes:

What was the most common reason for speaking?

Learner repeat words with teacher

What was the least common reason for speaking?

Learner ask teacher a question

Were there any boxes with no ticks?

Yes

How much of the lesson was spent on the teacher using Teacher Talk, in
your opinion?

I think teacher use half class to talk

Do you feel it was too much / too little / just the right amount of talk? Why /
Why not?

just the right amount of talk because she only to explain the activity

What do you think is an appropriate sequence of interaction patterns?

Now consider how much Arabic was used. Do you think it was used
appropriately?
Why? / Why not?

Yes , because some children dont understand the activity and they start to write
wrong answers then teacher must explain in Arabic

Extra reflection
You do not have to do this activity. However, if you want a higher grade, you must do it. If
you are interested in thinking about this subject more, consider the following reflection.
Reflection
Choose one of the following:
A.

Why is talk important?

for teachers?
I think talk is important for teacher to explain the lesson,
gives students advice or instruction, ignore bed behaviour, to
gives student feedback
for learners? (Think about the What and How.)

Learners talk when they answer or ask the questions, want

something
B. Why is it important to think about using English for varied purposes in the
classroom? For example, not just for giving an example, but also for correcting,
for praising, for everyday uses, like asking for help, or asking to borrow
something?