Mikroopetusta

Mikroopetusta, often translated as microteaching, is a teacher training technique developed at Stanford University in the late 1960s. It involves a teacher delivering a short, focused lesson to a small group of students, often peers or fellow trainees, for a brief period, typically 5 to 10 minutes. The core principle of mikroopetusta is the systematic breakdown of the complex art of teaching into manageable components.

The process usually involves several stages. First, the trainee plans a lesson with a specific, narrow teaching objective. This might focus on a single skill, such as asking effective questions, providing clear instructions, or managing classroom behavior. Following the lesson, the trainee receives feedback from their peers and a facilitator. This feedback is often recorded on video, allowing for self-reflection and detailed analysis of the teaching performance. After receiving feedback and reflecting on their practice, the trainee reteaches the same lesson, or a modified version, to another small group, aiming to improve based on the previous critique.

Mikroopetusta provides a safe and controlled environment for novice teachers to practice and refine specific teaching skills without the high stakes of a full classroom. It allows for immediate feedback and repeated practice, which are crucial for skill development. The technique can be adapted for various levels of education, from pre-service training to in-service professional development for experienced educators. Its focus on individual teaching behaviors makes it an effective tool for targeted improvement.