There are few things worse than teaching a class you barely know under time constraints and the watchful eye of another teacher. But as part of most teaching job application processes, you’ll be expected to give a test lesson.
Despite the blood, sweat and tears that go into preparation, things don’t always go to plan. We asked our community on Twitter to share the highs and lows of demonstration lessons, including what worked, what didn’t and how to prepare. As always, more views are welcome in the comments thread below or via @GuardianTeach.
Get the basics right
Let’s start with some practical advice from Olli Dunn (@ollidunn). Introducing yourself can be awkward, so make sure you practise your opening lines. He adds that teachers need to decide if they will follow the school behaviour policy (if they can get hold of it before the demo lesson). If not then they need to have their own strategy ready.
@GuardianTeach introducing yourself can be awkward - script the first few sentences if you get nervous
— Olli Dunn (@ollidunn) January 20, 2015
Have an escape plan ...
Kathryn Strachecky (@kathryn_class) advises teachers to always have a backup plan in case things go wrong. For example, if your time is cut can you still teach the lesson?
@GuardianTeach I had backups for EVERYTHING so when they couldn't get the computer to work or had to reduce the lesson by half I could adapt
— Kathryn Strachecky (@kathryn_class) January 20, 2015
PE teacher @SchoolsNeedMe is living proof of the value of this. When applying for a job in a middle school, he was told he had to teach 30 year 7 kids. He had a lesson all planned, but last minute was then told it needed to be shorter than anticipated.
@GuardianTeach @sloumarsh @lisaspiller #didntgetthejob Told to plan a 60min tennis lesson & on the day found out it'd only last 35mins -hmm
— Schools Need Me Ltd (@SchoolsNeedMe) January 20, 2015
Keep things simple
Drew Thomson (@mrthomson) has not done many test lessons, but he had witnessed a fair few. His advice? Keep things secure and simple.
@GuardianTeach oh ok! My advice would be to be yourself. Show dynamism, but plan a simple logical progressive sequence.
— Drew Thomson (@mrthomson) January 20, 2015
Some on Twitter thought it might be a good idea to use video to show ICT skills and an experimental flair, although the general consensus was to keep clips short and sweet.
@GuardianTeach @ian_bec in history lessons it can be wonderful to grab the class but keep brief
— Oooahhh (@temcterrier1977) January 20, 2015
@temcterrier1977 @GuardianTeach YouTube very handy for that sort of thing. Also demonstrates ICT literacy. Smart to get T&L policy & mimic.
— Ian Beck (@ian_bec) January 20, 2015
Adapt to a challenge
Like a chameleon, teachers may need to adapt to whatever the school throws at them. This was the case for Polly Duxfield (@PollyDuxfield) who trained for key stage 2 and 3 and was then given a year 10 class to teach at interview.
@GuardianTeach I trained KS2/3. One school purposely gave me yr10 at interview to directly favour an internal candidate. But I got the job.
— Polly Duxfield (@PollyDuxfield) January 20, 2015
@GuardianTeach Don't be fazed. Ensure lesson demonstrates and encourages student progress through clear scaffolding.
— Polly Duxfield (@PollyDuxfield) January 20, 2015
Be enthusiastic and know your subject
It may seem obvious, but Jo Baker (@Jobaker9) says students won’t be enthralled by a nonchalant grump.
@GuardianTeach know you subject v well. Smile, be enthused. Show your passion. Students won't be enthralled by a nonchalant grump!
— Jo Baker (@Jobaker9) January 20, 2015
@GuardianTeach invest in the students.Show you are interested in them/ their progress. Speak to each and every student, every single lesson
— Jo Baker (@Jobaker9) January 20, 2015
Oh, and make it memorable
Last but by no means least thanks for this tweet @bylromarha. She created a memorable English lesson using an empty emu egg with purple spots painted on. She brought it into her lesson, asking children what they thought would hatch from it. What they might feel or see?
@GuardianTeach Interview high... 6 yr olds STILL asking 1 yr on if the interesting egg I used in my interview has hatched yet #wasitadragon?
— bylromarha (@bylromarha) January 20, 2015
