Poster #31 - Mentoring and Assessment of Student Teachers on School Placement: Integrating Theory and Practice

• In Event: 31.094 - MTCC Poster Session Six
  In Poster Session: 31.094-7 - Poster Sessions

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which School Placement (SP) maximizes opportunities for integrating theory and practice in student teachers’ professional learning. It is based on a four-year longitudinal study of a new policy in Ireland in which teacher educators are required to work in partnership with schools to equip student teachers to teach critically and reflectively. The paper summarizes the current policy in Ireland against relevant international literature on SP. It analyses evidence on mentoring and assessment, and the roles adopted by HEI tutors and school-based staff. It highlights tensions and alignments in these roles. It discusses the variability of experience and the implications for maximising the fit of theory and practice in the experience of the student teacher.

Authors

• Kathy Hall, University College Cork

• Regina M. Murphy, DCU Institute of Education

• Vanessa Rutherford, University College Cork

• Bernadette Ni Aingleis