EDUC 315 is the initial school experience for teacher candidates in the elementary and middle years option. The practicum begins in September and ends in mid-December.
UBC’s teacher education program is based upon the principle of gradual immersion into the responsibilities of teaching. During EDUC 315, the teacher candidate is not expected to assume full responsibility for an entire class. Rather, the focus is on observation, interaction, and reflection along with limited instructional responsibilities. It is important for teacher candidates to focus on students as learners and to develop a disposition towards inquiry and reflection.
The EDUC 315 experience will vary from school to school. Elementary & middle years teacher candidates are expected to take part in several of the following activities during the weekly visits and the two-week practicum:
- Review school health and safety protocols.
- Complete WorkSafeBC safety checklist.
- Observe in classrooms at many grade levels.
- Learn about the philosophy and culture of the school.
- Become familiar with the school library and resources.
- Observe students at work and at play in a variety of contexts (e.g., classroom, gymnasium, playground).
- Engage with the school community (e.g., students, teachers, staff and parents/guardians).
- Learn about the philosophy and culture of the school.
- Offer assistance with extracurricular activities.
- Lead classroom activities with other teacher candidates or with the classroom teachers.
- Engage with individuals or small groups of students.
- Design lessons/activities to teach to small groups or the whole class.
- Team teach a lesson with the support of the school advisor.
- Discuss observations and experiences with school and faculty advisors.
- Participate in seminars with school and/or district personnel (e.g., teacher-librarian, principal, district coordinators).
- Begin to set goals for professional development.
During the second week of the two-week practicum, an appropriate minimum teaching workload of 20% (one hour per day) is assigned. Teacher candidates are required to prepare and discuss planning for teaching activities or lessons in advance with their school and faculty advisors. If supported by all advisors, teacher candidates are welcome to teach more during this time.
Weekly visits for EDUC 315 resume after the two-week practicum and continue to the conclusion of Winter Term 1. School advisors and teacher candidates engage in dialogue about the units, themes, and topics for which teacher candidates will be responsible during the certifying practicum.
Assessment and Evaluation:
Evaluation for EDUC 315 is based on observed performance in the above activities, demonstration of professionalism, suitability, and on full attendance.
Teacher Candidates:
Teacher candidates are expected to attend all seminar and school experiences as arranged by the faculty advisor. If the teacher candidate is ill and unable to attend, they must complete the UBC Absence request form AND inform the school and faculty advisor. Teacher candidates are expected to participate actively in all school and seminar activities suggested by the school and faculty advisors, and to follow all protocols outlined in the Bachelor of Education Program Policies & Guidelines.
School Advisors:
Please select some of the above activities for the teacher candidate. Encourage the student to make thoughtful observations about children in a range of settings. Talk with the student. Collaborate with the faculty advisor prior to writing the EDUC 315 report (see Required Forms to obtain this document).