One
of the most significant and concrete ways candidates
develop an understanding of the teaching/learning process
is through direct experiences in diverse classroom environments.
Most education courses require some sort of participation
in school settings. Depending on the objectives of the
course, candidates are required to spend a specified
number of hours completing practicum requirements in
diverse field placements. It is important that candidates
are prepared to complete field experiences during the
school day. Students are responsible for arranging their
own transportation to designated or assigned sites. Since
practicum requirements comprise a critical component
of pre-service teaching preparation, candidates that
are employed must make arrangements with their employer.
Field experiences and clinical practice are arranged in five levels.
• Level
1 primarily involves observation.
• Level 2 involves observation and participation, including
teaching small groups, locating materials, and providing general assistance to
a cooperating teacher.
• Level 3 candidates engage in more substantive tasks
such as whole-class instruction, choosing curriculum materials, and lesson planning.
• Level 4 the candidates plan, implement, analyze and
modify instructional practices.
• Level 5 is the Clinical Practice (Student Teaching)
experience.
It
is our expectation that through this sequential program
of practicum experiences candidates will gain firsthand
knowledge of life in the classroom. Specific purposes,
activities, and procedures for each practicum are described
in detail on the individual practicum expectations forms
candidates receive in each course.
