As promised... sorry so late!

I said I would do this almost a month ago but here ya go...

Out of all of the districts people are doing their observations/practicums, mine was the only one where our practicum advisor wanted to meet us during the observation period. I was told that I couldn't tell anyone but the information my supervisor gave me was fairly invaluable and set me at ease pending what is to come in the spring. I realize I am disobeying Betty but I think you will all understand how it benefits you (and how I wish you all got to meet your own supervisors):

First of all, when we're being assessed they will be looking for how we PACE our lessons... are we fast/slow given the level of students? How do we transition? WHEN do we transition? If we notice that students are off task, to we change what we're doing and do we have something we can we can bring into the lesson at the drop of a hat to keep them engaged? Finally, does our pacing fit appropriately (ie: with grade 12 EN LIT we can get through certain materials quicker than with EN 10)?

--my supervisor said pacing is not simply about instinct but it's about being flexible in an intelligent way.

Second, they will be looking for effective and appropriate discipline techniques. Sometimes it can be off the cusp but we should have some general tactics in our arsenals.

Third, how we facilitate discussions -- do we give the students TOO MUCH room where things get out of hand or is it effectively placed? Are we allowing students room to question US (without being defensive on our end)?

Finally, they supervisors will want a copy of a lesson plan that is DETAILED with EVERYTHING: objectives, resources, hooks, transitions/bridges/ and assessment). They will be asking for this right from the get-go.

Other things she said:

-be as PREPARED AS YOU CAN before you arrive because then you can spend more time finetuning things you've already done rather than working until late, late at night just to prepare for the next day. She said in 90% of her evaluations student teachers are a little "less" of themselves as teachers simply because they are exhausted from day 1.

-supervisors will be coming in once or twice a week, depending on what they feel. Sometimes we will know which lesson they will be observing and sometimes they will be there unannounced.

-Our practicum supervisors are out ADVOCATES. If ANYTHING doesn't sit right, whether it be with our mentor teachers or the school we're in OR with UVic and the courses, our practicum supervisors are our ADVOCATES and our MIDDLE MEN. We are not advised to go trying to argue or change things in our practicum situations ourselves... so not only is your advisor evaluating you but she/he is your voice in those times you need it.

-Don't let the short time span scare you (5 weeks). There is a lot you can learn in that time even if it's not an appropriate length to coach a team or sit on committees, you should still go watch games or observe meetings.

-Determine with your mentor teacher how often he/she is going to be in the room. (IE: My teacher and I decided she'd be in there 40-50% of the time... she knows that I will be a better teacher if I am not constantly worried about being watched... yes!)



Remember: Relax. The supervisors are not supposed to help us fail but to give criticism. Expect LOTS of criticism -- but take of it what you will.

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If you want to know anything else, just ask me and I can get in touch with her to find out.

Cheers, Kate