EDPRAC 102B September/October 2011

Introductions Debora Lee Practicum Co-ordinator Barbara Watson Associate Teacher Liaison Bridgit Williams Student Support Liaison Laurice Joicey Practicum Administrator Contact details in Practicum handbooks

Whakatauki: Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu Although they are small, children are precious

EDPRAC 102 B The Professional Teacher Early Childhood 1 This is the second part of the two practicum experiences that together form EDPRAC 102. EDPRAC 102 B (five weeks) follows a two week introductory practicum that took place in February/March.

EDPRAC 102 B 5 September - 7 October Five week practicum First assessed practicum University supervisor visits in week 1 Triadic assessment (usually in week 5)

Cohort is diverse A range of ECE experience A range of life experience Diverse cultural and language backgrounds Students encouraged to bring ‘who they are’ to the practicum

Preparation Students are well briefed on expectations Students are expected to be familiar with the practicum handbook As adult learners they are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning. They should have drafted a professional goal in class. The expectation is that they will make contact and arrange to meet you before the practicum starts They are required to develop an introductory profile sheet for display in the centre

Your Preparation Read the practicum handbook and be familiar with the practicum expectations Have available relevant resources (key policies, centre philosophy etc.) Plan time to get to know the student Consider sharing key information about yourself Remember to contact Barbara or Debora if you need clarification

Course Work Full-time students began their course in February 2011 and are encouraged to make links with current and previous course work where possible. Courses full-time students are currently studying are: History & Society In NZ; Hauora: Early Years Well-being & Science in the Early Years. Semester 1 courses were: Hapai Akonga; Development, Learning and Teaching; Experiencing Technology and Visual Arts in the Early Years Part-time students courses will vary. Please ask them what they have covered. Asking the student to share with you what they are learning at University will encourage them to link theory and practice and also facilitate professional discussion.

Assessment of Practicum You are required to complete a written weekly report for the student and the comprehensive final report before the triadic meeting The University Supervisor will arrange to visit the student in the final week to observe their practice The University Supervisor is responsible for giving feedback on the students reflections but we encourage the student to share these with you as well The result of the practicum will be agreed at the triadic meeting. Any concerns MUST be raised with the student and U.S. before the triadic meeting.

Role of Associate Teacher Provide opportunities for students to: gain and refine practical experience by engaging with children, teachers and families construct new learning, knowledge and understanding try out ideas and theories to test and modify them in practice refine and work towards their professional goal

Role of Associate Teacher Discuss student responsibilities and participation/contributions Induct student into centre’s policies and programme Observe student’s teaching with reference to the learning outcomes Provide support, encouragement and challenge Provide regular, specific verbal and written feedback Model and discuss own assessment, planning, teaching, evaluating and reflecting processes and practice Monitor student’s progress carefully Discuss any concerns with student and university supervisor as soon as they arise Contribute to the triadic assessment process Complete weekly reports and final report. Return final report to the practicum office

Documentation There are four Learning Outcomes for EDPRAC 102 and student’s documentation is expected to evidence that they have met each of these. There is no requirement as far as quantity (except for one reflection per week) as it is the quality of evidence that is most important Documentation may include diary notes, notes on discussions, photos, assessment and pedagogical documentation, anecdotal records etc.

Feedback Give constructive feedback linked to the Learning Outcomes both verbally and in weekly written report Be specific about what the student is doing well and suggest next steps for them to consider in the ‘future directions’ section of report Discuss verbally the written feedback Be aware that the learning outcomes are to be achieved by the end of EDPRAC 102 B

If you have concerns Address them to the student teacher in the first instance and as soon as possible both verbally and in writing through the weekly report Contact the university supervisor. They will support you as appropriate Feel free to contact me for support on 623 8899 xtn 48225 or bs.watson @auckland.ac.nz

If a student is struggling they will have received specific feedback from you about their practice and how they might improve you will have made the University Supervisor aware of the issue the weekly and final reports will refer to the concerns the practicum office will be alerted by the University Supervisor and remedial actions will be taken before the student proceeds to the second year practicum

Support for Associate Teachers Web Site Associate Teacher Handbook and meetings Practicum handbooks University Supervisor AT liaison (bs.watson@auckland.ac.nz) Practicum Coordinator (d.lee@auckland.ac.nz) Triadic DVD