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Bringing research into practice: AN OISE/TDSB research project to support the mentoring practices of Associate Teachers

Authentic Voices from the Field: Associate Teachers Talk About Effective Feedback

ABSTRACT: An Associate Teacher was filmed during pre- and post-lesson debriefing sessions with two Teacher Candidates during their OISE practicum placements. By watching and discussing the filmed debriefing sessions on the digital resource, Associate Teachers began to examine their own questioning and feedback practices...More

This webinar resource for Associate Teachers includes three strategies which may help as you engage your Teacher Candidate in reflective conversations. Please read the description of the technique before viewing the video. The videos took place in elementary classrooms, but the 3 strategies can be easily used and/or adapted for secondary.

Video - 00:32 min

Strategy #1: Focussed Observation

Prior to a lesson, ask the Teacher Candidate to identify an area of teaching that s/he would like the Associate Teacher to provide feedback on. This area becomes the foucs of the Associate Teacher's observation of the lesson and the feedback session.

Resources for Associate Teachers:

Video - 2:48 min

Strategy #2: Scaling Question

Asking TCs to rate their own performance on a scale of one to ten, allows them to participate in a guided reflective process with the goal of incremental improvement.

Resources for Associate Teachers:

Lesson Plan Feedback Form: Scaling Question

Video - 01:02 min

Strategy #3: Paraphrasing

By restating the essence of what TCs say, Associate Teachers are able to acknowledge, clarify and summarize. The summary you provide shifts the level of abstraction towards goals and student needs.

Resources for Associate Teachers:

A variety of lesson plan feedback forms can be found at Forms and Resources.

REFERENCES from the OISE/TDSB "Authentic Voices From the Field" Research Project

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OISE's School-University Partnerships Office (SUPO) would like to hear from our school partners! Please share a response, suggestion, idea below.

Kindly note whether you are an Associate Teacher, School Administrator, Teacher, or "Other," and whether you work in an Elementary or Secondary setting.

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, 2012-10-29:
These webinars are very informative and helpful. I love the rating scale and paraphrasing ideas.

What is an authentic conversation?

It is a reflective learning conversation with a new teacher based upon evidence. During this conversation, ATs deconstruct events and teaching practice.

Why have it?

To assist TCs to reflect upon their teaching practice and move towards inquiry about students and their needs.

What are the roles of an effective mentor?

As a consultant, you offer support and resources.

As a collaborator, you create challenges and encourage growth.

As a coach, you facilitate a professional vision.