microteaching: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “microteaching” mean?
A method used in teacher training where a student teacher gives a short lesson to a small group, which is then analysed and discussed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method used in teacher training where a student teacher gives a short lesson to a small group, which is then analysed and discussed.
A technique for developing and practising specific teaching skills in a low-risk, controlled, and focused environment, often involving video recording and peer feedback. It can also refer more broadly to any short, recorded practice session designed to improve a skill through review.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical in both varieties. The term is standard in the professional jargon of education departments. Spelling conventions follow regional norms for the component parts (e.g., 'analysed' in UK, 'analyzed' in US).
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes formal teacher preparation programmes, often university-based.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse, but standard and common within the fields of education and teacher training in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “microteaching” in a Sentence
[Teacher/Student] underwent/conducted microteaching on [Topic].The [Course] includes a microteaching [component/assignment/session].[We/They] analysed the [video] from the microteaching.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microteaching” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The trainees will microteach a 10-minute segment on fractions.
- We spent the afternoon microteaching and giving each other feedback.
American English
- Each student teacher will microteach a grammar point next week.
- The workshop involves microteaching and then reviewing the tapes.
adjective
British English
- The microteaching session was invaluable for her confidence.
- He reviewed his microteaching performance with his tutor.
American English
- The microteaching component of the course is worth 30% of the grade.
- We watched several microteaching videos in class.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used in corporate training contexts to describe short, recorded practice presentations for skill development.
Academic
Primary context. Refers to a specific pedagogical technique in schools of education and teacher certification programmes.
Everyday
Very rare. Unlikely to be used outside of conversations about teacher training or professional development.
Technical
Specific term in educational methodology, instructional design, and teacher training literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microteaching”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microteaching”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microteaching”
- Confusing 'microteaching' with 'microlearning' (learning in small units).
- Using it as a synonym for any 'brief teaching moment' rather than its specific, structured training context.
- Incorrectly capitalising it as a proper noun (it is a common noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while it is a core part of pre-service teacher training, it is also used for the professional development of experienced teachers who wish to refine a specific skill or try a new method.
Typically, the teaching segment lasts between 5 and 20 minutes, followed by a feedback and discussion session of similar length.
A teaching practicum involves extended, real classroom teaching over weeks or months. Microteaching is a short, isolated, and often simulated exercise focused on one discrete skill.
While video recording is a highly beneficial component for self-reflection, microteaching can be conducted with live observers who provide structured feedback based on notes taken during the session.
A method used in teacher training where a student teacher gives a short lesson to a small group, which is then analysed and discussed.
Microteaching is usually academic/technical in register.
Microteaching: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌtiːtʃɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkroʊˌtitʃɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MICROscope + TEACHING. Just as a microscope allows you to examine something small in detail, MICROTEACHING allows you to examine your teaching on a small scale.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEACHING IS A REPRODUCIBLE EXPERIMENT / TEACHING IS A PERFORMANCE TO BE CRITIQUED
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of microteaching?