mikroõpetust

Mikroõpetust, often translated as microteaching, is a teacher training technique developed in the 1960s at Stanford University. It involves a teacher delivering a short, focused lesson to a small group of peers or students, typically lasting between five and twenty minutes. The core of the microteaching process is the immediate feedback received after the lesson. This feedback is usually gathered from the observers, who might be fellow trainees, experienced teachers, or even a supervisor. The lesson itself is often video-recorded, allowing for detailed analysis of the teacher's performance.

The purpose of microteaching is to allow teachers to practice and refine specific teaching skills in a controlled and supportive environment. Instead of trying to master all aspects of teaching at once, trainees focus on one or two discrete skills per session, such as questioning techniques, classroom management strategies, or the use of visual aids. This focused approach helps in identifying areas of strength and weakness, and provides opportunities for immediate correction and improvement. The feedback cycle of teach, observe, and feedback is central to the effectiveness of this method.

Microteaching is considered a valuable tool for both novice and experienced educators. For new teachers, it offers a safe space to build confidence and develop fundamental pedagogical skills before engaging with larger classes. For experienced teachers, it can be a way to experiment with new approaches, gain fresh perspectives, or address specific challenges they encounter in their practice. The emphasis on skill acquisition and constructive criticism makes microteaching a practical and efficient method for professional development in education.