Sheridan C.O. #3

January 13, 2020

Speaking 4A 

Ryan Flemming

Monday @ 1:00 - 1:50

  At the beginning of this class, Mr. Flemming turned on classical/jazz music as his students entered the room.  He makes small talk with his students where he asks them about their lunch and what they ate.  Mr. Flemming continues conversation with the students to receive a more detailed response by asking more questions that require them to think off the top of their heads.  He reviews the syllabus and what the plan is for the class during this week.  The students are expected to speak in this course.  During last weeks class, the students discussed birds and nests and were required to send in a recording of themselves to the teacher so that he can evaluate their speaking abilities.  The students have to present a topic to the class sometime during this course, so Mr. Flemming randomized their presentation dates and questioned the advantages and disadvantages of presenting first.  

  In small groups, they discuss the questions presented on the board, and will then discuss with the class as a whole.  They speak broken english, but enough to know what they are trying to say.  They are asked to talk about their major and what they want to do in the future for a job.  

  Pecha Kucha: 20 PowerPoint Slides. 20 seconds per slide. A total of 6 min and 40 sec.  This is a form of presentation skills that the teacher wants his students to follow for their presentations about their major and future job this upcoming Friday.

"Creativity comes best when you have limitations - a box that you can't create outside of." 

  Mr. Flemming asked his students if they agree or disagree with the statement above.  A discussion was administered with everyone in the class, where the students chose a side.  Today, they delve deeper into the conversation, and the students create elaborate explanations that detail why they agree or disagree with the statement.  He went on to show a short YouTube video describing what Pecha Kucha is.  After the video, the teacher asked his students what they thought about the video and they responded that they thought it was kind of weird that they won't be able to click through their presentation, but rather, they need to time their presentation enough so that it flow correctly.
  The students use their phones to take pictures of what is presented on the screen by Mr. Flemming, rather than taking notes.  He gives a small example of what he would include in a presentation if he were to present the same topics as his students are going to.  He allows his students to take 10 min to answer the questions distributed on the board among their peers.
  At the end of the class, Mr. Flemming goes on to let his students know what he expects of his students for tomorrow's class and the rest of the week.  He projects his expectations on the board so that his students are able to listen and read as he speaks.