Mastering Core Teaching Skills A Micro-Teaching Approach Unlock the fundamentals of effective teaching through focused, practical skill development. This presentation explores five essential teaching competencies that transform instruction and amplify student learning outcomes.
What is Micro-Teaching? Micro-teaching is a deliberate, focused approach to teaching development. It isolates specific teaching skills in controlled environments, allowing educators to practice, receive feedback, and refine their techniques systematically. Simplified Scale Smaller classes, shorter lessons, and focused objectives Skill Isolation Target one core competency at a time Immediate Feedback Real-time observation and constructive reflection Deliberate Practice Repeat and refine until mastery emerges
Skill 1: Lesson Introduction Hooking Your Learners from the First Moment A compelling introduction captures attention and establishes relevance. It frames the lesson's purpose, connects to prior knowledge, and motivates learners to engage deeply with new content. Open with a question, story, or real-world scenario State clear learning objectives upfront Link new concepts to existing knowledge Demonstrate why the content matters
Skill 2: Questioning Techniques Fostering Critical Thinking and Deep Understanding Strategic questioning moves beyond recall. Effective questions challenge assumptions, encourage exploration, and develop higher-order thinking skills. Lower-Order Questions What, where, when, who—establish foundational knowledge and recall facts Higher-Order Questions Why, how, compare, evaluate—spark analysis, synthesis, and creative thinking Wait Time Pause after asking to allow thinking, deepening response quality and inclusion
Skill 3: Reinforcement & Feedback Guiding Growth Through Strategic Guidance Reinforcement strengthens desired behaviours and learning. Constructive feedback provides clarity on progress, celebrates growth, and charts a path forward for improvement. Positive Reinforcement Acknowledge effort and progress immediately, building confidence Specific Feedback Reference precise actions and outcomes, not vague praise Growth-Oriented Language Frame feedback as opportunities, emphasising effort over innate ability Follow-Up Practice Provide opportunities to apply feedback and demonstrate improvement
Skill 4: Explaining & Demonstrating Clarity is Key to Learning Clear explanations bridge the gap between confusion and understanding. Demonstrations make abstract concepts tangible, allowing learners to visualise processes and see applications in real time. 1 Structure Logically Break content into manageable chunks, building complexity gradually 2 Use Multiple Modalities Combine verbal explanation, visuals, gestures, and practical models 3 Check Understanding Verify comprehension through questions before advancing
Skill 5: Classroom Management Creating a Positive Learning Space Effective classroom management establishes routines, expectations, and positive relationships. This foundation enables learning, minimises disruptions, and creates psychological safety where all learners thrive. Build Relationships Set Clear Norms Be Consistent Respond Proactively
Integrating Skills: A Holistic Approach Bringing It All Together for Powerful Teaching These five skills do not exist in isolation. Masterful teaching weaves them together seamlessly—strong introductions set the stage, questioning drives engagement, explanations build understanding, reinforcement sustains momentum, and positive classroom climate holds everything together. Explaining & Demonstrating Builds understanding and clarity. Classroom Management Structures learning environment smoothly. Questioning Techniques Drives engagement and thinking. Lesson Introduction Foundation that sets the stage.
Your Micro-Teaching Journey Practicing for Perfection Through Deliberate Development Select One Skill Choose a core teaching competency to focus on during this practice cycle Plan a Mini-Lesson Design a brief 5-10 minute lesson that emphasises your chosen skill Teach & Observe Deliver to a small group whilst recording or having an observer note interactions Gather Feedback Collect constructive observations from peers, mentors, or learners Reflect & Refine Analyse what worked, identify growth areas, and adjust your approach Repeat Cycle Move to the next skill once confident, or deepen mastery through additional practice
Key Takeaways & Next Steps Skill Mastery Five core competencies form the foundation of exceptional teaching: introductions, questioning, feedback, explanation, and classroom management Deliberate Practice Micro-teaching isolates skills for targeted development, accelerating growth through systematic refinement Your Action Plan Begin your practice journey today—select one skill, teach, gather feedback, reflect, and refine consistently Remember: Teaching excellence is a journey, not a destination. Each practice cycle builds mastery and confidence. Your commitment to deliberate skill development transforms not only your instruction but the lives and futures of your learners.