Canadian International School (Singapore)

Summary Report
Teacher:
Principal:
Assignment:
Class Observed:
Date:

Matt Bean
Ted Cowan
Humanities, Canadian Studies Teacher
HSP3M Introduction to Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology
March 3, 2009

Background Information:
Matt is a third year teacher of which all of those years have been at CIS. Matt has taught
CGC1D, CGC1P, MFM2P, CGF3M, CGG3O, CIE3M, HSP3M and CIA4U in his time at
CIS. This semester Matt is teaching CGF3M, CIA4U and HSP3M. I observed his HSP3M
class for the full period on March 3, 2009. The class is made up of 16 international students a
number of who were previously receiving support in our ESL programme. Matt commented
that in a high participation class such as this, there were sometimes divisions in the classs
involvement levels. The focus of the lesson is to illustrate the stages of development in
relation to self and others through Erik Eriksons eight stages. Time permitting, the class will
continue with a discussion around Piagets stages as well.
Commitment to Pupils and Pupil Learning:
Matt has a consistent positive rapport with the students in his class, during hallway
conversations and throughout his interactions in extra-curricular activities. In the course of
the observation, Matt encouraged all students to contribute by using a variety of strategies to
increase class participation. He is able to subtly encourage positive behaviours and raise selfesteem through his natural care and respect for the students.
Teaching Practice:
Matt uses effective strategies in the class like writing the agenda for the period at the side of
the board. In the observed class, he commenced with having the students brainstorm social
skills and made sure all students were prepared to take notes. He then proceeded to walk the
students through the eight stages. During each stage he related a story, played a game or
carried out an activity to explain the stage to the class, appropriately balancing student and
teacher directed discussions. The tasks were varied, addressing the needs of various learners
in the class. He gently brought a student back on task without disrupting the flow of the
class. The lesson was interesting and informative and all students were engaged throughout
the 80 minute period. Matts positive and respectful rapport with the students was
demonstrated by the students positive and mature response to mature discussions. It was a
pleasure spending the period in Matts class.

Professional Knowledge:
Matt is very familiar with the Ontario curriculum and the subject matter of the courses he has
taught in his time at CIS. In the class I observed him display a variety of teaching strategies
to illustrate the eight developmental stages. He displays student work effectively and has
students create displays as part of their learning experiences. Classroom management is
handled with care and professionalism.
Leadership and Community:
Matt is willing to get involved to support students outside the classroom. He spends time
assisting students with extra tuition when needed, leads the school choir and competently fills
his role as a Teacher Advisor. Over his three years at CIS he has also run the badminton club
and games club. He has an open and welcoming rapport with parents and follows up on
student issues in a timely manner. Matt is willing to collaborate with other teachers on
course work, but has been given limited opportunities given that the majority of his classes
are single sections.
Ongoing Professional Learning:
Matt is clearly a life-long teacher and learner. Each year he has taken it upon himself to
enroll in a variety of professional development activities. He has introductory training in the
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Level 1 Humanities. Matt has also
attended courses on Geographic Information Systems and Creative Thinking Made Easy.
Most recently he took a summer course in Character Development in which he shared his
experiences with the high school staff at a staff meeting and the school as a workshop leader
during a school-wide Professional Development day.
Additional Comments:
Matt has successfully commenced his teaching career at the Canadian International School.
He is always a positive influence on the staff and students. Another strength Matt has is his
ability to discuss ideas and concerns with the school administration. He is open to listening
and creative in his suggestions to make learning experiences better for students. I would
recommend Matt to any school looking for a committed, knowledgeable and involved
educator.

Ted Cowan
High School Principal
Canadian International School (Singapore)