Demo Lesson Tips for UNLOCK Course book (Level 2)

[Ely14]

Hi everyone,
I have a demo lesson coming up for Reading & Writing (Level 2) and Listening & Speaking (Level 2) using the UNLOCK course book. Do you have any tips on how to approach these lessons effectively, or should I simply follow the course book as is?
Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Skrej]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with that particular series. However, we do use the Ventures series from Cambridge Press. Those do have pretty extensive, step-by-step lesson plans. If the UNLOCK course is similarly edited, then you probably can't go wrong with it.

I actually deviate a little from the Venture lessons, because I wish to highlight some aspects and gloss over others. I've found they're good for newer instructors, but that they may be a little too meticulous for an experienced instructor. Again, I don't know if that necessarily holds true across all Cambridge Press products. It depends too on your experience and teaching style.

Regardless, you'll want to be very familiar with the lesson plan and the material. You'll want to be familiar enough you're not having to look at the lesson plans extensively while doing the demo. I'd suggest recording yourself a couple of times while doing a dry run. Then replay and see if you appear comfortable and relaxed with only occasional glances at notes or lesson plans.

Hope that helps some. Good luck!

 

[embertmorton200]

Demo lessons can feel nerve-wracking but the moderator's point about dry runs is spot on. What I'd add for UNLOCK specifically — the critical thinking angle built into the units is actually a great hook for observers, since it shows you're pushing students beyond surface comprehension. Pick a discussion task that gets them talking fast, even briefly, so the panel sees student interaction within the first few minutes.