Practicum the primary focus

•	Student Notices

Practicum the Primary Focus


Home Page > News and Events > Practicum the primary focus In pre-service teacher education the practicum is the cornerstone according to UTS Practicum Coordinator Alan Scully, “The practicum gives the student opportunity to apply in practice, the theories, strategies, approaches and skills learned on campus in coursework. It provides a basis for evaluating, challenging and interrogating that learning”. The quality of the Practicum program is one of the major strengths of the UTS Bachelor of Education in Primary Education/Special Education degrees. Being full teaching degrees (rather than an Arts/Grad Dip program) they have a practicum throughout the whole period of the degree, with students prac teaching twice a year, every year. “The latest thinking on the practicum suggests clearly that those experiences should be both intensive and extensive. Throughout the course, they should display a diversity of experiences of real teaching and learning, in real settings with real students. Our programs, offer such diversity. They offer our students an intensity of experience that helps prepare them for the many challenges all educators face in the practice of their profession.” said Alan The BEd program consists of 8 practicum placements with seven in schools, one community based practicum, and also international and indigenous teaching opportunities. In all over 100 days of prac teaching throughout the degree. In the Community Based Prac the students choose to teach in a variety of locations such as, scout groups, dance classes, churches, after school child care, hospitals, children’s theatre groups etc. Education Professor Laurie Brady explains the purpose, “Community Prac requires students to experience teaching but in non-school settings, and to apply the lessons they learn to the more formal primary classroom. They frequently comment on the need for thorough planning; the need to ensure student engagement; and an increased appreciation of individual differences” said Laurie The BEd offers opportunities for students to do an international prac placement in China, Thailand or Samoa. The trips are usually with a team of 10 students and are accompanied by a UTS lecturer. There is a special emphasis of ESL and cross-cultural teaching. The trips are life-changing experiences and provide the opportunity to continue travelling and holidaying in the country after the prac. Lecturer John Buchanan recently led a practicum team to an Indigenous community in the Northern Territory. ”The Daly River Practicum provided an excellent opportunity for our students to understand first hand some of the difficulties and the disadvantage facing these Indigenous children.” Said John “The students also gained valuable insights into teaching students whose first language is not English, whose way of viewing the world differs markedly from their own, and in conditions of isolation and limited resources. The students also took advantage of opportunities for engaging with the wider community, in order to enhance their professional expertise.” Back to news archive