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Students enrolled in pre-service teacher education programs in the Faculty of Education will complete significant teaching and learning experiences in educational contexts relevant to their chosen field of practice.

The Professional Experience program engages students in two interlinked elements: (I) campus based studies examining the range of pedagogical issues, skills and procedures which foster the development of sound professional practice, and (ii) field experiences where students are placed in colleges, schools and other educational settings for practical engagement in a variety of teaching/learning interactions.

The following are key features of the teacher education Professional Experience program at UTS:

• Professional Experience is a three-way partnership between the students, cooperating teachers and Faculty of Education lecturers. The contribution of each is required in order for the professional Experience to be successful.
• The Professional Experience Program is developmental. It provides a sequence of experiences which build upon earlier teaching/learning achievements and articulate with other aspects of the students' course work.
• The Professional Experience emphasises continuing reflection and self-evaluation as integral to teaching as a professional activity.
• The Professional Experience is interpretive. It requires that students develop an ability to diagnose, negotiate and act upon what is observed and experienced in and beyond classrooms.
• The Professional Experience is professionally focused. In each Professional Experience experience, key professional competencies, linked with the students' learning on the campus, are accentuated, practised and analysed.

Students completing Graduate Diplomas undertake two Professional Experience subjects, each comprising field experience in a TAFE, Community College, school or other educational setting. The academic focus of each subject is as follows:

Professional Experience 1 Introduction to Teaching

This subject aims to provide students with opportunities to prepare for, reflect on and share professional experiences. It introduces a range of resources and gives students the opportunity to develop their skills in planning, delivering and evaluating individual lessons. It also provides students with skills and knowledge they require to focus their observations during their professional placement.

Professional Experience 2 Teaching and Learning in Context

In this subject it is intended that, while further broadening their familiarity with the strategies, activities and resources available to them, students will develop their skills in the long-term planning and management of learning. They will become more aware of the importance of maintaining strong links between theory and practice.

The Professional Experience Coordinators within the Language Literacy and Numeracy Program are Sue Hood (ABE, BEd, TESOL) and Liam Morgan (LOTE).

For any enquiries, please contact Steven Yates on ext.3955 or visit room CB10.05.450