PRACTICUM GUIDE

HBEF4606/ SBTE4206/ HDEF4606/ HBEC4606/ HPGD3306

First Edition (September 2011)

Writers Teo Hui Thian Dr Norlia binti T Goolamally Teh Lai Ling Prof Dr Kuldip Kaur

Publisher

Centre for Instructional Design and Technology, Open University Malaysia

Copyright Open University Malaysia (OUM). All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the President, Open University Malaysia.

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FALSAFAH PENDIDIKAN KEBANGSAAN

"Pendidikan di Malaysia adalah satu usaha berterusan ke arah memperkembangkan lagi potensi individu secara menyeluruh dan bersepadu untuk mewujudkan insan yang seimbang dan harmonis dari segi intelek, rohani, emosi dan jasmani. Usaha ini adalah bagi melahirkan rakyat Malaysia yang berilmu pengetahuan, berakhlak mulia, bertanggungjawab, berketrampilan dan berkeupayaan mencapai kesejahteraan diri serta memberi sumbangan terhadap keharmonian dan kemakmuran keluarga, masyarakat dan negara."

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Vision
To be the leading provider of flexible learning.

Mission
To widen access to quality education and provide lifelong learning opportunities by leveraging on technology, adopting flexible mode of learning and providing conducive and engaging learning environment at competitive and affordable cost.

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Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................. 7

Part 1: Practicum Overview ........................................................................ 8 1.1 School Orientation Programme 1.2 1.3 1.4 Practicum Calendar .............................................................................. 8 School Heads/Principals..................................................................... 10 Practicum Co-teachers/Supervisors .................................................. 10 1.4.1 1.4.2 1.5 Co-teacher .............................................................................. 10 Supervisor .............................................................................. 11

Student Teachers ............................................................................... 12

Part 2: Practicum Evaluation ................................................................... 13 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Lesson Plans...................................................................................... 13 Observation Form for Co-teacher/Supervisor ..................................... 14 Practicum Evaluation Rubric for Supervisor ....................................... 17 Practicum Sign-off by School.............................................................. 20 Practicum Feedback from Learners .................................................... 22

Part 3: Practicum Portfolio ....................................................................... 23 Sample Lesson Plans ............................................................................... 27 Appendix A ................................................................................................ 49 Appendix B ................................................................................................ 53 Forms .............................................................................................................

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PRACTICUM GUIDE
Introduction
This Practicum Guide accompanies Open University Malaysia programmes that require a practicum or teaching practice in schools or other teaching-learning institutions. As a student-teacher, it is your responsibility to read the contents of the entire Practicum Guide carefully, focussing on all the sections described below. The Practicum Overview first gives you detailed information about your schedule for this part of the programme. Additionally, this section describes your own role and responsibilities as well as those of various personnel linked to the practicum. The Practicum Evaluation tells you all about how your teaching experience will be evaluated, and about the various documents that will be used in this process. The Practicum Portfolio gives you information about how you can submit a collection of materials and experiences to your programme coordinator at the end of the course. The Appendices give you supportive information for your practicum experience. A number of Forms are provided at the end of this guide. You may extract these forms for use during the practicum.

Ensure that you have read and understood the contents of this Practicum Guide before you begin teaching practice. If you have doubts or queries regarding the material, discuss it with your supervisor and/or with the supporting teacher in the school where you are placed.

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PART 1: PRACTICUM OVERVIEW

This Open University Malaysia Practicum Guide gives you information on all aspects of the practicum which consist of the School Orientation Programme (SOP) and the teaching and learning experience.. The Guide is intended for student-teachers, coteachers, supervisors and school heads or principals who are part of the practicum component of selected Open University Malaysia programmes. Commonly, the practicum is conducted after the completion of all the other courses of specific Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Education programmes. Aims of the Practicum To give student-teachers opportunities to learn how school is managed through the School Orientation Programme (SOP) To give student-teachers opportunities for integrating teaching-learning theories with the practice of teaching.To provide a context for professional growth and for developing problem-solving skills within an instructional setting.

1.1

School Orientation Programme (SOP)

The School Orientation Programme (SOP) is an early exposure for studentteachers to familiarise themselves with the school environment. This programme provides opportunities for student-teachers to understand the school as an educational institution, particularly activities which are closely related to the teaching and learning process. In this programme, student-teachers will have the chance to observe and interact with school administrators, teachers and students. Student-teachers will be able to observe students behaviour, actual classroom teaching conducted by school teachers and the overall management of the school. Through information gathering tasks and self-reflection, it is therefore hoped that student-teachers will be able to integrate theory and practice in the context of teaching and learning.

1.1.1 Components of School Orientation Programme In this programme, student-teachers are required to observe the school environment in areas/components depending on their practicum mode. The three main components are Management, Curriculum and Infrastructure.

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COMPONENT I: MANAGEMENT Under the Management component, student-teachers are required to observe and collect information in detail for two different areas; the School Management and School Organisation. School Management and School Organisation covers the following aspects: School Management & Organisation 1. Related General Order 2. The attendance of teachers / administrative staffs / students 3. School Calendar 4. Students profile/ demography 5. Planning of curriculum and implementation Record Books for Teachers Syllabus Textbooks, etc. 6. Organisation such as Parent-Teacher Association / School's Management Board, the Disciplinary Board etc. 7. Finance / expenses 8. Staff meetings 9. Organisational structure 10. Components in the school organisation 11. Functions of the components in the school organisation

COMPONENT II: CURRICULUM There are three areas to be covered in this component. They are curriculum, teaching and learning and co-curriculum. As a guide for student-teachers, the different aspects to be observed are as follows: A. Curriculum 1. Timetable 2. Syllabus lesson plan teaching notes 3. Observation of teaching and learning process 4. Influence of environment and school climate on curriculum implementation.

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B. Teaching and Learning 1. Types of teaching and learning resources 2. Usage / suitability 3. Effectiveness of dissemination 4. Observation on how panitia meetings are conducted

C. Co-Curriculum 1. Associations / clubs 2. Sports / games 3. Uniformed units 4. Co-curricular organisation

COMPONENT III: INFRASTRUCTURE In this component, student-teachers are required to observe and understand the school environment according to the provision of School Facilities such as classrooms, Life Skills Workshop, Resource Room, Science Lab, Computer Room, Canteen, Sports Store, and others. 1. Reviews in these aspects: Area / size and location Physical arrangement Furniture and equipment available 2. Resources/ other services available Operation Room Telephone Suggestions box Treatment Room Learning Corner

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY In order to make this programme a success, student-teachers are expected to understand the objectives and purpose of the SOP. Student-teachers are requested to follow the given guidelines when conducting the SOP. i. Be present in school , develop good relationship with the school community

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ii.

Pay particular attention to the areas that you have to observe; take down notes and take photos where necessary. Always show good conduct and be professional in communication and mannerism. Discuss, observe and assist teachers in the classroom. Assist teachers in co-curriculum activities. Observe and collect feed back of the teaching process for reflection. Prepare the folio for SOP together with the reflective journal, bind and submit together at the end of the practicum.

iii.

iv. v. vi. vii.

1.2 Practicum Calendar (OUM-Practicum 2011/1)

The practicum experience is intended to last from four (4) weeks to twelve (12) weeks according to practicum mode, beginning from the first week of teaching. Each student-teacher is expected to follow the suggested work plan in the given calendar. If for any reason a student-teacher fail to carry out the planned activity then he/she is expected to replace it accordingly. The Practicum Calendar provides an overview of the structure of the practicum according to the practicum mode. In it you will find a schedule with important timelines so that you are aware of when to carry out a specific action or responsibility. It is important that you do the following: 1. 2. Student-teachers are to fill in the dates of the week from commencement to completion of the practicum (OUM-Practicum 2011/1- 3). Student-teachers are to discuss the schedule with co-teachers and supervisors so that there is a common understanding of deadlines and individual responsibility. Scheduled classroom observations by co-teachers and supervisors must be indicated with their respective signatures and dates on the calendar. Replacement days must be clearly indicated on the calendar. The calendar must be included in the practicum Portfolio upon submission.

3. 4. 5.

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SUGGESTED PRACTICUM CALENDAR MODE 1: For student-teacher with more than one (1) year formal teaching experience in a public/ private school.
Week 1 Event Report to school headmaster School Orientation Programme (SOP) SOP Face to face teaching 1st observation by Co-teacher SOP Face to face teaching 2nd observation by Co-Teacher Face to face teaching Observation by Supervisor Final Portfolio Items for Portfolio Timetable Housekeeping SOP report Journal entry SOP report Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation Form Journal Entry SOP report Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation Form Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation Form Journal Entry Final Report for SOP and Practicum Personal CV Appendices (Bind all items together as a folio. Use separator where necessary)

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MODE2: For student-teacher with less than one (1) year formal teaching experience in a public/ private school. Week Event Items for Portfolio
1 Report to school headmaster School Orientation Programme (SOP) SOP Face to face teaching 1st observation by Co-teacher Face to face teaching Face to face teaching 1st observation by Supervisor Face to face teaching Face to face teaching 2nd observation by Co-teacher Face to face teaching Final observation by Supervisor Face to face teaching Final Portfolio Timetable Housekeeping SOP report Journal entry SOP report Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation Form Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation Form Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation Form Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation Form Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Journal Entry Final Report for SOP and Practicum Personal CV Appendices (Bind all items together as a folio. Use separator where necessary)

3 4

5 6

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MODE3: For student-teacher with no formal teaching experience in a public/ private school. Week
1

Event
Report to school headmaster School Orientation Programme (SOP) SOP SOP SOP SOP SOP Final Report for SOP Face to face teaching 1st observation by Co-teacher Face to face teaching Face to face teaching 2nd observation by Co-Teacher Face to face teaching 1st observation by Supervisor Face to face teaching 3rd observation by Co- Teacher Face to face teaching Final observation by Supervisor Final Portfolio

Items for Portfolio

Timetable Housekeeping SOP report Journal entry SOP report Journal Entry SOP report Journal Entry SOP report Journal Entry SOP report Journal Entry SOP report Journal Entry

2 3 4 5 6

8 9

10

11

12

Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation form Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation form Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation form Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation form Journal Entry Lesson plan/ Teaching aids Observation form Journal Entry Final Report for SOP and Practicum Personal CV Appendices (Bind all items together as a folio. Use separator where necessary)

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1.3

School and School Heads/Principals

The student teacher will be posted to schools to undergo their Practicum. The School Head or Principal shall provide support for the student-teachers with regard to the following matters: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Cooperate with Open University Malaysia in ensuring the success of the Practicum. Identify and appoint a trained and experienced teacher to act as co-teacher to the student-teacher. Assist student-teachers to adjust to the school environment and school culture. Provide necessary information on the school environment and assist student-teachers with the School Orientation Programme (SOP) Provide student-teachers the opportunity to observe the teaching and learning process and share their experiences with trained teachers. Provide guidance and continuous feedback to the student-teachers. Monitor the discipline of the student-teachers throughout the Practicum period. Report in writing any discipline/medical/accident cases of student-teachers from time to time to the Coordinator of the Practicum at Open University of Malaysia. Ensure that every student-teacher marks his/her attendance for the duration of the practicum. Verify details in the Attendance Form and other related documents.

9. 10.

1.4

Practicum Co-teachers/Supervisors

Roles and Responsibilities 1.4.1 1. 2. Co-teacher Welcome and integrate the student-teacher into the school routine and introduce him/her to school and staff. Observe the student-teacher teaching between two(two) to three (3) times depending on the practicum mode and offer both oral and give feedback using the appropriate form. Foster a positive relationship with the university supervisor. Collaborate with them to provide constant support to the student-teacher.

3.

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4. 5. 6. 7.

Communicate with the Supervisor on a regular basis throughout the placement to discuss the students progress or concerns. Provide opportunities for student-teachers to observe the co-teacher while he/she is teaching. Review and provide comments and sign student-teachers lesson plan. Guide the student-teacher towards available materials for teaching and suggest effective teaching techniques. Familiarize the student-teacher with school policy, plans for classroom management, the curriculum, and teaching resources. Guide and nurture student-teachers to the advancement of professionalism in teaching. Schedule sufficient time to evaluate and participate in the student teachers planning of lesson. Update and keep records and guidance documents related to the practicum. Model effective practices aimed at helping the student-teacher progress in areas of need. Facilitate reflective thinking and practice and encourage the student-teacher to develop his/her own personal instructional style. Emphasise learning through experience and supportive feedback. Supervisor Observe the student-teacher between one(1) to two(2) times depending on the practicum mode during the placement. After every observation, provide verbal and written feedback to studentteacher regarding his/her performance in the classroom using the Practicum Observation Form. Monitor the quality of lesson plans submitted and provide specific suggestions for improvement. Emphasise learning through experience, reflection, problem solving, supportive feedback, and constructive criticism. Be a source of academic support to the student-teacher. Communicate with the co-teacher regularly to discuss the studentteachers progress and any concerns. Communicate with the student-teacher and assist him/her in developing a positive relationship with the co-teacher and to foster the development of a personal teaching style.

8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 1.4.2 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

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8.

Assign final grade based on input from practicum teacher and your own judgement. Use the Practicum Evaluation Form for this purpose.

1.5
1. 2. 3. 4.

Student-Teacher
Read and adhere to aims of the practicum. Submit your timetable, copy of practicum calendar, and other information to OUM before the first week of the practicum. Discuss with the school, co-teacher and supervisor your roles and responsibilities. Sign in your attendance accordingly. . Prepare School Orientation Programme (SOP) report and lesson plans detailing specific objectives, instructional strategies and evaluation procedures. Reflect after each lesson and throughout the placement. Create a professional teaching portfolio based on the general guidelines in this guide. Inform co-teacher and supervisor prior to any absence. Be prepared to elaborate on any plans that were to be executed in your absence. Observe rules and procedures concerning academic confidentiality. Maintain a professional outlook at all times, following basic rules of courtesy toward teachers, students and other staff.

5. 6. 7. 8.

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PART 2: PRACTICUM EVALUATION

2.1 Lesson Plans

Student-teachers are required to write a lesson plan before each training period. Each continuous lesson (40 mins/60 mins/etc) taught by the student-teacher should be based on lesson plan. Every lesson plan must be filed and submitted to the co-teacher or supervisor upon request. All lesson plans will be evaluated. Here is a template for lesson plans. You may wish to adapt it to suit your subject.

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2.2

Observation Form for Co-teacher / Supervisor

Please use the appropriate form (depending on the programme) to observe studentteachers based on the criteria stated in the form. This form should be completed for all observations.

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2.3
a. b.

Practicum Evaluation Co-teacher/Supervisor

This Practicum Evaluation Form supervisor to complete. is for the co-teacher and the

There are FOUR components to be observed in the coaching of studentteachers. The FOUR components are Planning, Implementation, Reflection and Attitude and Personality. Criteria for each component is described in the Evaluation form below. Co-teachers and supervisors are advised to use the scale from 0 to 5 to rate each component observed in the teaching and learning process conducted by the student-teacher.

c.

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(contd..)

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2.4

Practicum Sign-off by School

The Practicum Sign-off form must be filled by the school head or principal after the student-teacher has finished the practicum, and after all of the studentteachers responsibilities have been fulfilled. The following ought to be observed: The student-teacher should demonstrate to the co-teacher and the supervisor that the portfolio has been duly compiled. The co-teacher takes the Practicum Sign-off form head/principal for it to be signed, dated and stamped. to the school

The student teacher may accompany the co-teacher when the Practicum Sign-off form is being signed by the school head/principal.

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2.5

Practicum Feedback from Learners

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Part 3: Practicum Portfolio

At the end of the practicum, all student-teachers are required to submit a portfolio to OUM. This Practicum Portfolio is a well-organised document that includes SOP report, lesson plans, teaching aids, supervisors and co-teachers feedback and evaluation sheets, self-reports, personal (reflective) journal entries, learners feedback forms as well as photographs and samples of learners work. Aims of the Practicum Portfolio To demonstrate learning about integrating theory with practice during the practicum. To demonstrate the student-teachers professional growth through analysis of reflective journal entries as well as deliberations with peers, co-teachers and supervisors. To demonstrate skills and abilities related to planning and teaching in the context of an instructional setting.

Components of the Practicum Portfolio

Here is a checklist to be used when organising the Practicum Portfolio.SOP report Lesson plans for all lessons taught Samples of learners work Teaching aids (if physical submission is not possible please take photographs only) Evaluation & Observation forms from supervisor Evaluation & Observation forms from co-teacher Learners Feedback forms Self-reports and/or personal (reflective) journal entries Photographs Other relevant documents (if necessary)

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