Critical Incident Analysis

Case 3 - A matter of confidence: the sequel

1. The incident

In a later seminar two students had prepared a presentation. I divided the students into small groups with a set of four questions and asked them to talk about them for eight minutes. They were then to deliver a brief presentation on each answer. Then each group gave their answer to the first question and the class spent a few minutes discussing these answers. The majority of students were willing to contribute to the discussions and offer new ideas. And we ran out of time before finishing our discussions.

2. Tutor's reflections

As the seminar progressed, I found myself really enjoying a teaching session for the first time. I was pleased that the students responded well to the group discussion and presentation format, and the seminar was a great deal more relaxed and less draining than the whole-group discussions of previous weeks.

The new format had worked well for both me and the students. The experience restored some of my confidence in my teaching abilities.

3. Learning points

The group discussion and presentation format can work well for me and for the students. However, there was not enough time to cover four questions in detail and asking each group in turn for their answer to each question proved very repetitive.

I intend to dispense with student presentations next semester and concentrate on group discussions and presentations. I will also give each group a single question to talk about, which should reduce repetition.

4. A colleague's perspective on the incident

My colleague's view this time was that I had showed a willingness to be flexible in teaching and that my ability to react to the dynamic of the class and alter teaching accordingly is very valuable. She added that this was definitely something to be proud of.