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In pre service teacher education, the practicum is the cornerstone according to professional experience lecturer 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 UTS Bachelor of Teaching in Secondary Education is a 1 year intensive teacher education program specially designed for those with occupational experience looking for a rewarding career change. The practicum program is a particular strength with students spending 60 days over 2 placements teaching in schools.

“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 practicum program includes supervision from UTS lecturers who join the students for some sessions at schools and provide feedback and instruction.

Course Co-ordinator Associate Professor Peter Aubusson says, “Students consistently report that practicum is a demanding but very rewarding experience. It is time when many change their thinking about learning and teaching to develop heart felt views about the nature of education and their role as teachers”.

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