Online Microteaching Experience
- Thelma Mbali
- Nov 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 20, 2025
The lesson was well-structured, clearly grounded in the CAPS curriculum, and aligned with the language structures and conventions component of English Home Language. I introduced the parts of speech using clear definitions and relatable examples, which helped learners understand abstract grammar concepts. The use of PowerPoint slides supported visual learning, and the interactive questioning encouraged learner participation. The crossword puzzle at the end of the lesson was particularly effective as it reinforced key concepts in a fun and engaging way.
One challenge was that some learners appeared disengaged or struggled to participate fully, particularly weaker readers. Since this was an online format, it was difficult to monitor every learner’s focus and understanding. I attempted to address this by redirecting questions, scaffolding explanations, and encouraging learners to share examples verbally. However, I recognized that differentiated support and peer assistance could have improved inclusivity.
The 15-minute microlesson successfully met the short-term objectives. Learners were able to identify, name, and give examples of parts of speech. While the longer-term objectives (such as analysing sentences and writing their own examples) were not fully covered in this slice, the microteach achieved its intended foundational goals.
PowerPoint slides were appropriate because they provided visual reinforcement of definitions and examples, which is important for online grammar instruction. The digital crossword puzzle was an effective interactive tool to check understanding in real time. These tools supported engagement, visual learning, and immediate feedback, making them suitable for online teaching.
This experience highlighted the importance of balancing direct instruction with more learner-centred strategies. I learned that supporting diverse learning needs requires differentiated tasks, visual aids, and opportunities for verbal and written practice. I also realised the value of pacing, checking for understanding more frequently, and integrating multimodal resources to strengthen inclusivity.
The feedback showed that while the lesson was well-organised and aligned with CAPS, it needed stronger engagement strategies, more visual support, and greater integration of language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. I used this feedback to improve my lesson by planning to include more multimedia elements, more learner-driven examples, and activities that develop multiple language skills. I also reflected on how to better activate learners’ prior knowledge and increase participation through scaffolded questioning and collaborative tasks.
LINK TO ONLINE MICRO TEACHING VIDEO: https://youtu.be/atunoMi3Gwc
LINK TO PADLET:
Please note previously I made comments as "TMN" before using my full name.
https://zanelemazibuko328.wixsite.com/zanele-mazibuko/post/essential-insights-for-effective-blogging-success?commentId=66bdeb87-1c52-4b1c-b2cc-c8bc5d763622
Blog comment: I have commented on Zanele Mazibuko's blog post. By Thelma Ngwenya
Thelma, your reflection shows a thoughtful and well-developed understanding of effective online teaching and a strong awareness of how your instructional choices supported learner understanding. You clearly demonstrated strong planning skills by grounding your micro-lesson in CAPS and selecting ICT tools such as PowerPoint slides and a digital crossword that enhanced visual learning and real-time engagement. Your ability to explain grammar concepts using clear definitions and accessible examples reflects growing confidence in content delivery. Importantly, you also showed strong reflective practice by acknowledging challenges related to learner engagement and recognising the need for more differentiation, scaffolded questioning, and multimodal learning opportunities. Your willingness to incorporate feedback and refine your strategies such as adding multimedia, strengthening participation, and integrating more language…
Wow, this is such a well-thought-out lesson! I love how you clearly grounded it in the CAPS curriculum and used relatable examples to explain the parts of speech. The PowerPoint slides and digital crossword puzzle were fantastic tools for keeping learners engaged, and it’s great to see how interactive questioning encouraged participation. I can tell you put a lot of thought into balancing direct instruction with learner-centred strategies, and your reflections show a real commitment to supporting diverse learning needs. The insights about pacing, multimodal resources, and integrating multiple language skills are really valuable. Fantastic work on creating such a clear and engaging online micro-lesson!
Amazing!
https://tawongabandz.wixsite.com/tawonga-banda-1/post/top-5-tips-for-effective-blog-writing?commentId=c300ad18-eb1d-490d-81f9-ee254459e89e Blog comment: I have commented on Tawonga Banda's blog post. By Thelma Ngwenya