Practicum Orientation

Good to see everyone tonight. I look forward to hearing about your practicum experiences and I hope you all will take some time to share your experiences on this blog during the practicum.

To summarize:
1. Marc has invited everyone to join the blog, so please check your emails and follow the link to join this blog!
2. Marc will confirm the practicum times/locations and send practicum invitation letters on Tuesday (first to Emily, Hafiza, Christina, Michael).
3. Students to contact their practicum teachers to arrange a meeting and a start to the practicum.
4. Students to begin the practicum and start with up to 10 hours of observation, and gradual integration into the class. Feel free to start participating in activities, and ask the teacher what the lessons are about and how you can help. In addition, as soon as possible, try to help in the class by taking attendance, organizing and doing anything proactive to help.
5. Don't forget to track your hours using the sample form I will attach with your practicum letter.
6. During the first part of the practicum, write the first reflective journal. Think about what has gone well, what you have learned, what has surprised you, and what you would like to do differently.
7. Continue the practicum in the second half (10 hours) and write the second reflective journal. Students should work with their sponsor teacher to plan lessons and activities. Students should be teaching more and more in the second part of the practicum, but they also work with the sponsor teacher. Remember you are not alone; ask for help, but remember to have fun!
8. When students are close to being finished, they must send me an email and let me know so we can plan the final meeting. Then we will meet and discuss your experiences and I will collect all the paper work (evaluation forms, observation forms, and 2 reflective journals).
9. Marc will file the paper work and notify Burnaby to issue certificates and a letter indicating your have successfully finished the program!

So this is the process that we will follow. If any of this doesn't make sense, remember that you can send me a note or call and I can explain it. Most importantly, have fun! Teaching is about working with people, and helping them. Relax and enjoy!