Joely’s Top Tips for Getting Ready for Your Microteach!
Got a microteach coming up? Whether it’s part of your teacher training or an assessment for a new role, standing in front of a group and teaching for 10–20 minutes can feel a bit nerve-wracking. But don’t stress, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s my go-to guide to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to deliver a great session on the day.
1. Focus on One Key Learning Objective
A microteach isn’t about cramming loads of information into a short timeframe, it’s about showing that you can engage learners and help them understand one key concept.
Joely’s Tip: Keep it simple. Choose one specific learning objective and make sure everything in your lesson supports it. If it doesn’t directly help students grasp the main point, cut it out.
2. Plan for Active Engagement
This isn’t a lecture; it’s a chance to show that you can get students involved. Even in a short session, interactive elements can make a huge difference.
Joely’s Tip: Ask open questions, include a quick hands-on activity, or get your learners discussing something in pairs. Even a simple “Who’s heard of this before?” can make your session feel more engaging.
3. Time Management and Structure is Key
One of the biggest microteach mistakes? Trying to squeeze in too much and running out of time. A clear, logical structure helps learners follow along and makes you look well-organised. You need to be strict with yourself.
Joely’s Tip: Time yourself in a practice run and use this simple format:
Introduction (2–3 mins): Who you are, what you’re teaching, and why it matters.
Main Content (10–15 mins): Teach your key point with examples or activities, keeping learners engaged.
Conclusion (2–3 mins): Summarise the key takeaway and invite questions.
Sticking to this structure ensures you stay on track and deliver a polished, effective lesson.
4. Use Visual Aids, But Don’t Overdo It
Slides, images, and props can be great, but too much and they can become a distraction.
Joely’s Tip: Keep visuals simple, clear, and directly relevant to what you’re saying. A well-placed diagram or bullet points can work well but avoid overloading your slides with too much text.
5. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s okay! Whether it’s a tech fail or an unexpected question, how you handle it matters more than the mistake itself.
Joely’s Tip: Stay calm and adaptable. If your slides won’t load, talk through your points confidently or use humour to ease the tension. When faced with a challenging question, take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering. No one expects perfection, they just want to see how you handle real-life teaching moments.
6. Get Feedback and Reflect
Microteaching is a learning experience, so take full advantage of the feedback you get.
Joely’s Tip: Ask for specific feedback on what worked and what you could improve. Take notes, reflect, and use it to make your next session even stronger.
Final Thought… You’ve Got This
At the end of the day, a microteach is just a snapshot of what you can do. Focus on being clear, engaging, and structured, and most importantly, trust yourself.
Good luck! You’re going to do great. If you need any extra advice, feel free to reach out on 0333 0326 333.