CO#3

For my final classroom observation I watched Dr. Kennel teach an ITEP test preparation class. I was very interested to see how classes preparing for standardized testing compare to the more open format of CIES classes. Dr. Kennel began the class by asking everyone how their weekend was and giving an overview of the week's schedule for the class. He caught their attention by mentioning the day's activities for after the prep class. He then gave a brief overview of the ITEP test schedule and travel arrangements. He took time to explain a colloquialism he used, "play it by ear", and asked the class if there was an equivalent phrase in Spanish. Afterwards, he started the test preparation by asking the class what sections were on the test and to explain the concept of each (to see if students remembered and understood). He then passed out a handout with a breakdown of each section of the test, and began an online practice test. Dr. Kennel had the students answer each question, only stopping to help when the students made a beautiful mistake (which was rare). Dr. Kennel gave a brief explanation of each question after the class concluded the correct answer to make sure everyone understood. At the end of the class, Dr. Kennel took a few minutes to give examples of how to approach the speaking and writing sections of the test.