Abstract:
This project was an extension of a TDG project “A Practical Guide for BEd (ECE) (Full-time) Field Experience”. A course pack titled “Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher: A Practical Guide for Field Experience” was developed as a result of the previous project. In view of the fact that the Practical Guide aims to support students’ independent learning throughout their course of study, all BEd(ECE)(Full-time) students and respective practicum tutors got a copy in the 2008/09 academic year. The purpose of this project was threefold:
1. to conduct a follow-up on the use of the Practical Guide,
2. to further improve and enrich the content of the guide, and
3. to explore alternative modes of delivery of the guide and ways to formalize this independent learning approach.
Continuous data collection was implemented throughout Semester II of 2008/09. To track the use of the Practical Guide, students’ field experience portfolios were collected and analyzed. Students were also invited to self-report their use of the guide. Likewise, practicum tutors were interviewed on how they have used the guide to support students’ learning. Focus groups including students, practicum tutors, as well as supporting teachers and link teachers of the placement schools were organized to comment on the coverage and content of the guide and to make necessary recommendations. Revision and improvement were then made based on the collected data.
Code:
3326
Principal Project Supervisors:
Subjects:
Start Date:
23 Feb 2009
End Date:
31 May 2010
Status:
Completed
Result:
The guide was carefully refined with reference to the practical learning needs of student teachers in field experience and the different viewpoints collected from students, practicum tutors, as well as supporting teachers and link teachers of the placement schools. Each section follows a clear and particular sequence with four basic components:
Letters to student teachers
Notes and activity sheets
Recommended readings and/or videos, and
Special practical advice.
To facilitate the effective use of the guide by students and practicum tutors, a detailed plan on matching specific content of the practical guide with the actual time schedule of field experience was outlined for different phases of learning and task assigned
Impact:
Though adopting various data collection methods by this project, the team was able to pinpoint the key issues or aspects involved in designing meaningful field experience that could facilitate effective learning and teaching of student teachers. The effort made was certainly worthwhile and important to future programme development, both in terms of progression and continuity.
Deliverables:
Wong, K. M., Yuen, W.K.G., & Chak., A. (Eds.) (2010). Practical guide for BEd(ECE) (Full-time) field experience (revised edition)(in Chinese). Hong Kong: Hong Kong Institute of Education. http://edlis.ied.edu.hk/record=b1744702
Financial Year:
2008-09
Type:
TDG