Abstract:

Lesson observation and teaching practice in kindergarden and primary school are part of the practical training of students - future teachers.

Lesson observation is characterized by observation and analysis of pedagogical situations, lessons and other organizational forms presented by basic teachers, carried out in educational institutions, under the guidance of a lecturer from the higher school. Lesson observation aims to introduce students to the immediate educational practice in kindergarten and school.

Teaching practice includes visiting, monitoring and conducting pedagogical situations, lessons and other organizational forms in kindergartens and schools together with a teacher-mentor under the guidance of a higher school lecturer, in order to prepare for the internship. The practical training is preceded by theoretical training in general didactic disciplines (Pedagogy and Psychology) and private didactic disciplines (Methods of Instruction in different subjects).

Widespread and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, COVID 19 posed challenges of various kinds to humanity. The need to observe social distance, in order to limit the risk of spreading the infection, has led to changes in many areas of public life - health, trade, tourism, education and others.

This paper describes the organization and conduct of lesson observation and teaching practice of students of pedagogical specialties at the University of Ruse ‘Angel Kanchev’, in the disciplines ‘Methodology of acquaintance with the surrounding world in kindergarten’ and ‘Methods of Instruction Man and Society’. In accordance with the recommendations for social distance, in order to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 infection on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the practical training was carried out in an electronic environment through online training systems, video surveillance and other resources.

Keywords:

COVID-19, online teaching, lesson observation, teaching practice, Higher Educational Institution.