5 Useful Advice When Teaching Practicum

A practicum is a graduate level course, often in a specialized field of study, that is designed to give students supervised practical application of a previously or concurrently studied theory. Practicums (student teaching) are common for education and social work majors. In some cases, the practicum may be a part-time student teaching placement that occurs the semester before a student’s full-time student teaching placement.

Teaching practicum can be very satisfying for educators as long as they follow these practical tips:

Lesson 1: Be Firm but Flexible with Goals and Expectations.
Being adaptable ought to be your mantra. Be immediate with understudies. In this way, the greatest take-away was the lesson to be firm however adaptable. You’re in an ideal situation being strict toward the start of the semester and demonstrating to you could be adaptable and pleasing as essential. It’s basically doesn’t work on the off chance that you begin off amicable and slack and after that get to be strict. Recognize that a few understudies were taking the course to satisfy the prerequisite, others had distinctive needs, and others were energized in the subject. The same is valid for assignments and grades; while, not all understudies care as much or not all understudies can contribute as much time and vitality as they’d like. That is fine.

Lesson 2: Play to Your Strengths and Use Local Resources.
Use innovative and immersive ways to deal with educating with labs, field trips, oral recitation and computer programming could offer students some assistance with understanding the material and structure sentiments and associations. You can request that they do assignments like an exposition or a media presentation. There are numerous on-campus assets and in the area. Utilize them.

Lesson 3: Don’t Defend the Grade and Lesson.
Try to emphasize the value of close attention and detailed feedback. Think about your teaching philosophy and stick to that. Do not try to defend the grade you’ve given to a student.

Lesson 4: Do Give Constructive Feedback.
Students receiving feedback lets them know that the teacher is paying attention to the work they are doing. Feedback must be given with respect. However, this feedback shouldn’t defend a grade. Every teacher should aim to be an instructor who students consider as a resource and mentor.

Lesson 5: When all Else Fails: Try, Try, Again.
You can’t plan for everything. Your class is not so much a failure of any sort if you acknowledge glitches–unless you beat yourself up. You can do your best and keep trying with each session and group of students to fine tune your ideas and activities.