Max CO #1 - Dr. Rios Grammar class

    This morning (1/14/25) I observed Dr. Rios' group 3 grammar class. The class had only 7 students - and coupled with Dr. Rios' personality - the first thing I noticed was how relaxed the class was as a learning environment. Dr. Rios is very personable with each student and this attitude extends from classmate to classmate. In my experience in any classroom setting, one where you aren't stressed or nervous often leads to the most information retained. As far as content and instruction, the class was very organized and included a lot of group work, class discussions where everyone was able to chime in, and 1 on 1 partner activities. The only materials used were the grammar textbook that each student has. Dr. Rios would explain certain grammar rules throughout the class, and at certain points would give mini-lectures, but the class never became bogged down with the teacher speaking and everyone else listening. It stayed open and engaging. They were learning about the present perfect continuous tense and past continuous tense -- and as previously mentioned, Dr. Rios took a student-centered approach, having them ask one another "what have you been doing" "what were you doing" and "what will you be doing" (they began future continuous tense at the end). He took an inductive approach, mixing in activities, and lectures evenly throughout the class. He did correct mistakes, but only as they were made in the flow of a conversation. Overall, I enjoyed my 50 minutes and learned a lot both about grammar and teaching methods.