1. EDPRAC 202
14 May- 15 June 2012

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Documentation
Portfolio evidencing learning outcomes, including links to GTSs and ‘Fit to be a teacher Criteria’
Two reflections per week ( ed 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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:

21. 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
(16 June 2012 at Unitec)