Question- What are the various skills in micro-teaching ?

Ans.

The skills that come together to make micro-teaching effective are several in number. The most prominent of them are :
(a) The skill of introduction : Teachers must possess the skill of giving students a great introduction before they begin teaching a lesson or topic. It’s an art that helps engage students and tell them exactly what they can expect from a lesson. This is a great way to ensure that students understand what a topic or lesson is about. Through this skill, teachers can use interesting or engaging words to get their students hooked on and interested in a topic from the very beginning. The major elements of micro-teaching skills of introduction are :

(i) Maximum use of student's previous knowledge,
(ii) Using the appropriate device,
(iii) Maintaining continuity,
(iv) Relevant statements.

(b) The Skill of Explaining : It is an intellectual activity that teachers must possess when it comes to micro-teaching skills. Ideas, phenomena and concepts must be communicated well to students to help them understand a topic well. Teachers should give examples by highlighting relationships among different events and ideas. A teacher who can explain well is able to make a topic or lesson effective.

(c) The Skill of Questioning : The art of questioning is another skill that students must have. The questioning skill is a technique that helps put meaningful, relevant, specific, clear and precise questions to students. It is a skill used to test the understanding and knowledge of the students. After questioning, if a teacher realises that students haven't understood a topic well, they can try to explain things easier for a better grasp.

(d) The Skill of Stimulus Variation : This skill is a teaching technique used to keep students engaged in a topic or lesson by changing the teaching behaviour it's used to capture a student’s attention by using different stimuli in the class for maximum response.

The main elements of stimulus variation are :
● Movement,
● Gesture
● Change in speech pattern,
● Focussing,
● Change in interaction style,
● Oral-visual switching,
● Pausing,
● Student’s active participation.

(e) The Skill of Reinforcement : The skill of reinforcement is another important component of micro-learning skills. Teacher use this skill to encourage responses from their students using non-verbal actions such as nods and smiles or verbal praises. It’s a response technique based on the concept of feedback. This skill helps to reinforce students using positive reinforces rather then negative ones for maximum participation.

(g) The Skill of Illustration : It is also known as the skill of interpretation. It’s used when the skill of explanation doesn’t work. Through illustration, the students can be motivated to understand and stimulate them to help them grasp the ideas and concepts being taught. A teacher may also use specific and personal examples to illustrate topic for better understanding.

(h) The Skill of Blackboard Writing : It is another important skill of micro-teaching. It’s used to shift focus, grab attention and highlight vital items and concepts. Teachers can use the skill of blackboard writing to draw attention. It’s a good technique that teachers can use to bring about clearness in concepts and perceptions.

(i) The Skill of Achieving Closure : Just like the skill of introduction, the skill of achieving closure is also essential. Introducing a topic or lesson is easy, but giving a good closure to a topic can sometimes be tricky. Teachers should ensure that they’ve closing a topic systematically and clearly. They must give enough assignments to students to help them remember the topic or lesson well without over burdening them.

(j) The Skill of Demonstration : Demonstration in teaching helps make things meaningful and simpler for students. It helps teachers link learning with real-life situations. Demonstration describes and explains principles, concepts and idea to students by showing them devices, experiments or specimen. It helps create a lively environment in the classroom.

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