MEETING WITH HEADS OF PARTNERSHIP SCHOOLS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW DAWN

GUIDING QUESTIONS WHY ARE YOU HERE? WHAT ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO? WHAT IS EXPECTED OF INTERNS? WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MENTORS? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO YOUR SCHOOLS?

RATIONALE There is disconnection (gap) between theory as taught in teacher education institutions and the practice on the field; Teacher education does not seem to influence the ‘native theories’ of pre- service teachers; The quality of the teaching corps depends on the effectiveness of teacher education programmes in place.

THE DESIRED REFORM IN EDUCATION REQUIRES A SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AT ALL LEVELS OF EDUCATION

THE NEW DAWN Linking professional development to the life & culture of schools; Establish formal collaboration between university and schools; Use the cognitive apprenticeship model; School teacher as legitimate participant in professional development of the intern; Action research as indispensable tool for professional development of teachers; Teacher as reflective decision maker

PARTNERSHIP UNIVERSITY SCHOOL UNIVERSITY SCHOOL 1 2 UNI-DIRECTIONAL INTERACTIVE

TEACHING PRACTICE & STUDENT INTERNSHIP Restricted to classroom Time frame is 6 weeks Access to school is ad hoc University-based (95%) Supervision solely by university Supervision is evaluative Covers all aspects of school life Time frame is one year Access thru` partnership University-based (75%) Joint supervision by university and school Emphasis on helping role Involves mentoring, writing philosophy, building portfolios, reflective practice, action research

GOALS OF THE SIP Establish a reciprocal, collaborative & developing relationships with schools; Foster the development of a professional learning community; Facilitate school improvement through development of teacher mentors; Provide holistic experience to student T; Enable mentees to deal with the different experiences at the university & schools.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SIP Apply and practise principles of T/L in school context; Develop practical understanding of major roles of the teacher and skills required; Broaden understanding and appreciation of the realities of working in a school; Develop understanding of children and pupils; and skills in professional decision- making.

COMPONENTS OF THE SIP SCHOOL ACTIVITIES- including co- curricular activities, staff meetings, etc.; TEACHING PORTFOLIO TEACHING PHILOSOPHY REFLECTIVE PRACTICE ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT

BENEFITS OF SIP TO SCHOOLS Opportunity to collaborate with UEW in teacher preparation; Benefit from new ideas, special skills, initiatives and expertise of interns; Share experiences with interns; Identify outstanding interns for recruitment; Provides professional training for mentors; Develop a network of contacts with teachers and lecturers-learning community

GUIDELINES FOR HEADS Nominate mentors for interns in your schs; Organise induction course for interns; Make school policies available to interns; Ensure interns do not take over completely the classes taught by their mentors; Coordinate the activities of mentors; Pay occasional visits to intern’s class; Collect reports from all mentors & prepare annual report for the university.