PEER OBSERVER: Karen Garrido-Nag

DATE: 02/17/16
INSTRUCTOR: Larry Medwetsky
Class Observed: HSL 826 Pediatric Aural Rehabilitation

I had the pleasure of observing Larry in HSL 826 Pediatric Aural Rehabilitation last Wednesday
evening. This class of 10 second-year students meet in Hall Memorial, in a small classroom (u-
shaped tables and chairs) equipped with a large television monitor in the center and a
computer. Unfortunately, I was only able to observe the first 45 minutes of the class due to a
conflict in my schedule.
The goal of the class was to engage the students in a group activity that will help them in
recalling and reflecting on a previous lecture topic. Larry handed out a piece of paper with 5
questions to smaller groups in the class (2-3 students per group). They were given 10 minutes
to discuss the questionnaire. The topic was factors to consider when choosing to use a Cochlear
Implant (CI) for infants and children.
Larrys teaching style can be described as relaxed and participatory. He has established
excellent rapport with each of his students. Most of the students were comfortable exchanging
jokes with Larry and this level of comfort extended to their willingness to participate in class.
Most were comfortable in giving opinions and engaging in a dialogue about a certain point that
needed further clarification or expansion. The more the students were engaged the more they
participated (as expected). However, there were a couple of students who were engaged but
appeared hesitant to participate. Maybe, calling on them (by name) will help them share what
has been discussed in their groups or give them the opportunity to share their opinion if they
were unclear on when they should participate.

Larry would rephrase some of the students responses into questions. This technique
encouraged the students to critically think about their responses and at the same time guide
them into the direction that he wants to them to go. The students also felt comfortable asking

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Larry questions when they needed clarification or if they needed help in connecting conceptual
knowledge that they have previously learned.

I enjoyed observing Larrys class and hope to be able to it for an entire class in the future.

Karen Garrido-Nag, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Interim SLP Program Director
Assistant Professor

C: Larry Medwetsky

800 Florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002-3695

www.gallaudet.edu
Phone: 202-651-5329 Fax 202-651-5324
800 Florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002-3695
www.gallaudet.edu
Phone: 202-651-5329 Fax 202-651-5324