1. EDPRAC 621A
27 Feb – 16 March 2012

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 621 Conceptualising Practice
Seven week practicum in two parts
(A is 3 weeks and B is 4 weeks)
A focus on competent communication,
Building and maintaining relationships
Understanding the EC context
Integrating theory, research and practice

5. EDPRAC 621 A 27 February - 16 March three week introductory practicum
first practicum
full time students started January 2012
part time students started January 2011
visited once by a university supervisor
formative triadic assessment

6. A diverse group All are graduates with a range of degrees
Mature students with a wide range of life experiences
Diverse cultural and language backgrounds
A range of ECE experience
Able to do this practicum in ‘home’ centre
Students encouraged to bring ‘who they
are’ to the practicum

7. Preparation Students well briefed on expectations
Student handbook familiarisation and initial tasks
Range of support mechanisms
Adult learners take responsibility
Associate Teacher:
Read the practicum handbook
Have available relevant resources
Get to know student

8. Course Work Students are engaged in studies in: Early Years Curriculum
Learning Theories
Students are expected to make links between their
course work and practicum experiences
See Pg 8 of handbook

9. Possible Outcomes
Pass - learning achieved for all learning outcomes, if any LOs are not met the practicum result is a fail
Fail
Provisional pass (dependent on subsequent passing of language course or assessment) all LOs must be met (apart from concern about language). A provisional pass must be confirmed with Barbara Backshall

10. 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

11. 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
See handbook (pp ) for student and US responsibilities

12. 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

13. Documentation
Portfolio evidencing learning outcomes, including links to GTSs and ‘Fit to be a teacher Criteria’
Three reflections per week ( ed to US
and using a range of models. See handbook
pp )
Appropriate permissions sought for observations and assessments
Ensure student is aware of centre’s cybersafety policy and expectations around use of photographs

14. 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
Be aware that the learning outcomes are to be achieved by the end of EDPRAC 621B (not this practicum)

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
Contact the university supervisor. They will support you as appropriate
Feel free to contact me for support xtn or

16. If a student is struggling
they will have received specific feedback about
their practice and how they might improve
the University Supervisor will be aware of the issue
the weekly and final reports will refer to the concerns
the practicum office will be alerted and remedial actions
will be taken before the student proceeds to EDPRAC
621B

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