EDPRAC 202 14 May- 15 June 2012

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

Whakatauki: No to rourou, naku to rourou, ka ora te iwi With your basket and my basket, we will have enough

EDPRAC 202 Early Childhood Practicum 2 This is a five week practicum with a specific focus on: own teaching in relation to contextual factors effective communication & relationships with children, colleagues, families & whanau pedagogical practice to optimise learning, informed by theory and research the behaviours and dispositions expected of a professional teacher

EDPRAC 202 14 May-15 June Students are in Year 2 of the 3 year B.Ed. Full time students started February 2011 Students are required to write two written reflections per week They are working towards a professional goal (to be negotiated with you and U.S. There will be a triadic assessment

A diverse group Students: come from a diverse range of cultural and language backgrounds have a range of ECE experience bring a range of prior knowledge Students are encouraged to bring ‘who they are’ to the practicum

Preparation Students are well briefed on the expectations of practicum and should be clear about these Student are expected to be familiar with the handbook and have completed the required tasks (preparing a profile, the pre-practicum task, developing a professional goal) The students have access to a wide range of support mechanisms As adult learners they are expected to take responsibility for their own learning

Pre-practicum task Students have completed a pre-practicum task focused on preparing them to meet L.O.3 They have been asked not to think of providing activities for children but, rather, to think of planning as ‘meaningful responding’ (including responses ‘in the moment’) They are expected to demonstrate bi-cultural practice in a wide sense (beyond Te Reo and tikanga) and incorporating the principles of Te Whaariki

AT 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 or support

Coursework Students do not have specific tasks (except for reflections and evidencing their goal and learning outcomes) to complete while on practicum It is expected that they get actively involved in all aspects of the curriculum and centre life It is expected that they will be implementing learning from their coursework into practice

Course Work Students have been engaged in studies in: Assessment for Learning & Teaching Infant & Toddler Pedagogies Languages & Literacies Students are expected to make links between their course work and practicum experiences

Role of Associate Teacher Provide opportunities for students to: 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 work towards an agreed 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 practicum office

The triadic relationship The relationship between the student, the Associate Teacher and the University Supervisor is designed to facilitate the student successfully completing practicum. Clear and open communication between all parties will ensure the optimum learning environment for the student A DVD on the triadic process is available on request from the practicum office

Assessment of Practicum At the triadic meeting all parties will discuss whether or not the student has met all of the Learning Outcomes. They then agree on the result of the practicum. Pass - learning achieved for all learning outcomes. If any LOs are not met the practicum result is a fail Fail - not all LOs met If this is the case, the student will be offered extra support (more time on practicum, extra help with reflective writing etc) as appropriate

Documentation Portfolio evidencing learning outcomes, including links to GTSs and ‘Fit to be a teacher Criteria’ Two reflections per week (e-mailed to US and using Smyths model. See handbook pp. 9-10) Appropriate permissions sought for observations and assessments Ensure student is aware of centre’s cybersafety policy and expectations around use of photographs

Feedback Give constructive feedback 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 Provide suggestions about issues in their practice that it might be useful for the student to write reflections on

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

If a student is struggling they should receive specific feedback about their practice and how they might improve the University Supervisor should be made aware of the issue the weekly and final reports should refer to the concerns an extended practicum may be negotiated in order for them to successfully meet the learning outcomes

Associate Teacher Symposium 16 June This is a fabulous professional learning opportunity designed especially for Associate Teachers. Lorraine Manuela from Tots Corner and Margaret May from Greenhithe Kindergarten are the keynote speakers and a wide range of workshops and discussion forums will be available Only $20 for the day Spaces are limited so register now: http://www.education.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/associate-teachers-symposium

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 Combined Associate Teacher Symposium (16 June 2012 at Unitec)