1. EDPRAC 102B
September/October 2011

2. 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

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

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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 xtn or

16. 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

17. Support for Associate Teachers
Web Site
Associate Teacher Handbook and meetings
Practicum handbooks
University Supervisor
AT liaison
Practicum Coordinator
Triadic DVD