UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD

SUPPORTING PRE-SERVICE TRAINEES ON PLACEMENT

Pre-service Mentor Training 2011

Information about the Pre-service course The Pre-service course is a one year, full time

course in initial teacher training at the University of Huddersfield, leading to the award of Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) for Lifelong Learning.

Our trainees

Typically are well-qualified in their specialist subject area

Often have relevant experience of working in their specialist field

Usually have limited experience of teaching

Our expectations of trainees

show a professional attitude develop their awareness and understanding of the working practices of

the organisation and of the teachers with whom they work participate in an active teaching role fulfil the other duties and responsibilities associated with their teaching

role seek out and be receptive to feedback and support from their mentor

and other specialist staff prepare, maintain and evaluate schemes of work, lesson plans and

assessment records for all of their teaching demonstrate a commitment to reflect, evaluate and develop their own

performance.

Aims of the teaching practice placement

Provides the opportunity for trainees to achieve many of the outcomes for the course

Acquire guided experience in teaching their own specialism Develop professional skills and techniques associated with the

teaching role. Develop expertise in performing the teacher's role in relation to

characteristics of the social and contextual dynamics of the classroom

Acquire personal experience of the structure, organisation and work of the establishment

Involve themselves in effective working relationships with staff in the establishment.

Teaching practice modules

Trainees complete 4 modules in total on the course 2 of these modules relate directly to their teaching

practice DFD7130 Personal and Professional Development

November – February, 2/3 days a week DID 7230 / DHD7230 Teaching a Specialist Subject

February – Easter, full time 6 week block placement

Standard requirements for assessment of teaching practice A minimum of 150 hours of teaching practice

75 hours for each module 8 teaching observations

4 observations for each module A teaching file

Evidence of planning, resources and reflection relating to teaching in each of the two teaching practice modules

Placement overview

Early in the placement: Trainees settle in and familiarise themselves with key people, places and

procedures in the placement (department and the wider institution). It will help trainees to settle in if they could be allocated a space where they can

work / leave belongings. Trainees have an Induction Checklist which they need to complete. Trainees have a first meeting with their named mentor Trainees shadow and observe staff to help them to see a range of different

student groups, courses and approaches to teaching and learning. Trainees agree a timetable with their mentor/ a manager. Following their

induction week, for approximately the next 12 weeks (Block 1, 6-8 hours teaching per week), trainees attend for the equivalent of 2 days each week from the 3 days they are available: Wed / Thur / Fri or Mon / Thur / Fri. They then attend on a 6-week full-time placement block (Block 2, 12-13 hours teaching per week).

Teaching practice

Teaching hours can include teaching whole classes, team teaching, small groups and one to one

Where possible trainees should be phased in, taking on increasing responsibility for planning and delivery

Experience of a range of groups, courses, settings Opportunities to observe other teachers

Teaching file for each module

An ongoing log of teaching hours Teaching observation reports Records of discussions with mentors, including

subject specialist issues Full documentation evidencing lessons the trainee

has planned and taught Personal Development Plan records

First phase of teaching practice

Personal and Professional Development 2 or 3 days attendance at placement (negotiated) 75 hours teaching A minimum of 4 satisfactory observations Generic and subject specialist observations Typically carried out by:

1 subject specialist 2 generic (teacher trainers or specialists in the department) 1 university tutor

Completed by early February

Teaching practice block 1 During this phase the trainee should shadow and observe teaching and,

as appropriate, take on increasing responsibility for preparing and delivering part or all of a session. For this module, the trainee needs to complete :

75 hours teaching practice – this can include team teaching, small groups, one to one and whole classes

Receive 4 satisfactory teaching observations with written feedback. Trainees should be completing a log of all their teaching hours and building a teaching file. This file should include relevant schemes of work, lesson plans, resources, records of student assessment and feedback and trainees’ reflections on their teaching.

Trainees should discuss their lesson planning and the content of their teaching files regularly with their mentors and any other staff they are working with.

Second phase of teaching practice

Teaching a Specialist Subject 6 weeks full time attendance at placement 75 hours teaching A minimum of 4 satisfactory observations Generic and subject specialist observations Typically carried out by

1 subject specialist 2 generic (teacher trainers or specialists in the department) 1 university tutor

Completed by Easter May extend beyond 6 weeks to complete hours

Teaching practice 6 week full time block

In this second part of their teaching practice the trainees should be developing their range of experience of teaching and their understanding of the wider teacher role.

Trainees should be encouraged to observe other staff. They should also, where possible, attend relevant meetings and events in the department and the wider institution.

Trainees will be expected to focus on particular aspects of their teaching to improve their skills and extend their use of more advanced techniques.

Teaching practice 6 week full time block

75 hours teaching practice – can include team teaching, small groups, one to one and whole classes

Receive 4 satisfactory teaching observations with written feedback: The trainee should be continuing to log all teaching hours and

building a second teaching file which includes relevant schemes of work, lesson plans, resources, records of student assessment and the trainee’s reflections on his/her teaching. This file should demonstrate the trainee’s increasing engagement with more varied and challenging teaching situations.

Trainees need to continue to discuss their teaching, planning and the content of their teaching files regularly with their mentors and any other staff they are working with.

Observations of trainees

Observations and feedback should be constructive and developmental and take account of the stage the trainee has reached in their training

Individual observations are not graded Assessment of trainees for the module as a whole does include a

grade which is indicative of progress and achievement for that particular module

Grades are determined through a trainee’s self assessment and their University personal tutor. Mentor feedback given to the trainees will be an important consideration in that process.

Additional assessment and projects

During the course trainees may be required to complete a range of different assignment tasks relating to teaching and learning

Projects might include : Assessment projects Curriculum development Creativity/ Innovation projects

Where projects link to placement, it is often helpful if trainees are able to discuss their ideas and work in progress with their mentor

Examples of projects trainees might undertake Curriculum development

Schemes of work Development of new modules Integration of key skills Resource development to support a module

Creativity / Innovation Use of technology to support teaching and learning Resource packs Displays of student work Materials for college intranets / VLEs Use of games Resources for interactive whiteboards

In addition ……

Trainees should be encouraged to become involved with the department

Discuss their progress with their mentor Identify points for development following observations Attend events such as course team meetings, staff

development as appropriate

Role of the mentor (1)

The mentor would normally be: a suitably qualified and experienced teacher who

understands the requirements of teaching/training in the subject area

a critical friend in the trainee's placement who is able to provide advice, guidance and constructive feedback

available to meet the trainee regularly to discuss their progress and development needs

Role of the mentor (2)

The mentor can assist the trainee in the following areas: Induction within the specialist department Planning and Curriculum:

Supervise trainee’s planning at the lesson and course level. Provide access to module/unit specifications and resources

Teaching observations: including constructive feedback, especially relating to subject specialist

pedagogy. Progress reviews:

Development of the trainee’s teaching and their general progress in the placement .

Support and identification of any problems and where appropriate, liaison with the trainee’s personal tutor

Liaison with University – completing relevant documentation and contact with University tutors / admin team

Role of the mentor (3) providing opportunities for the trainee to learn more about the setting and organisation acting as a gateway to other people and sources of knowledge in the institution helping the trainee to evaluate their own teaching in relation to increasing their insight into

the wider role of the teacher challenging the trainee to face up to opportunities and problems and to recognise personal

strengths and weaknesses discussing with the trainee strategies and issues appropriate to maintaining and managing

an effective learning environment relevant to their particular subject or discipline observing the trainee teach and using this as a basis for providing constructive feedback, so

facilitating the development of their teaching effectiveness enabling the trainee, when appropriate opportunities arise, to broaden their outlook and

experience e.g. attend certain meetings, observe more experienced colleagues, become involved in projects and other developments

encouraging the trainee and helping them to develop the skills necessary to evaluate their own performance in the teaching role and to explore the resultant issues

providing the challenge for the trainee to take the next step in their professional development and growth

Documentation : Placement Progress Form (TP4)

This form is designed for you, and other staff in the department, to provide feedback and comments on the trainee’s overall progress and development during their placement. The form should be completed once towards the end of block 1 of the teaching practice and again on completion of the placement. Trainees are required to return the completed forms to their personal tutor.

Documentation: Personal Development Plan (PDP)

Trainees keep a record of their progress and development within their PDP. Of particular note for mentors:

PDP2 – log of teaching hours and other placement activities. Should be countersigned by trainee’s mentor

PDP6 – record of meetings with mentors PDP7 – grading documentation

Grading process

Trainee’s self assess and agree a grade with their personal tutor

Mentors can play a significant part in the process Includes grading criteria used by Ofsted to grade

trainee teachers 4 areas within the grading:

Trainee’s personal characteristics as a trainee teacher The quality of the trainee’s practical teaching The quality of the trainee’s teaching files The quality of trainee’s explanations, as demonstrated in

teaching files and other assignments