Demonstration lessons are often the most nerve-wracking part of a teaching interview, but they're also your best opportunity to show interviewers what you can really do in a classroom. When done well, they can be the deciding factor in securing the job offer.
Understand the Context
Before planning your lesson, understand the age group, ability range, and available resources. Clarify time limits, class size, and whether you'll have access to interactive whiteboards or other technology.
Key Tips
- Ask about the typical class composition
- Clarify time constraints and transitions
- Inquire about available resources
- Find out about the school's behaviour management approach
Plan for Engagement
Design your lesson to actively engage all students from the start. Include a mix of activities, questioning techniques, and opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding.
Key Tips
- Start with an attention-grabbing hook
- Include pair and group work
- Use a variety of questioning techniques
- Build in opportunities for assessment for learning
Demonstrate Strong Classroom Management
Show your ability to create a positive learning environment through clear routines, positive relationships, and effective transitions. Your management style should be calm, consistent, and respectful.
Key Tips
- Establish clear expectations from the start
- Use positive reinforcement
- Have smooth transitions between activities
- Address any behavioural issues calmly and fairly
Show Differentiation
Demonstrate how you adapt your teaching to meet different learning needs. This shows you're inclusive and understand that students learn in different ways.
Key Tips
- Have different tasks for different abilities
- Use flexible grouping
- Provide support for those who need it
- Challenge more able students appropriately
Include Assessment Opportunities
Build in ways to check student understanding throughout the lesson. This shows you're focused on learning outcomes and can adapt your teaching based on what students know.
Key Tips
- Use exit tickets or mini-plenaries
- Include peer assessment opportunities
- Observe student responses during activities
- Have clear success criteria
Reflect and Adapt
Be prepared to adapt your lesson if things don't go as planned. This flexibility shows you're a responsive teacher who can think on your feet.
Key Tips
- Have contingency plans ready
- Be prepared to simplify or extend activities
- Stay positive and professional
- Learn from the experience
Conclusion
Remember, interviewers are looking for evidence of your teaching ability, not perfection. Focus on creating a positive learning environment, engaging all students, and demonstrating your subject knowledge and pedagogical skills. The most important thing is to be yourself and let your passion for teaching come through.