The practicum: Developing better practice for beginning teachers; the significance of the practicum

In 1998, the Australian Catholic University (Melbourne), introduced the extended practicum into it's teacher education program. This program enables students to spend an extended period of time with the same groups of students and supervising teacher. This model of the practicum was reviewed and it's findings stated that while the key practicum stakeholders believed in the importance of teacher education and the role the practicum played, often their views differed. It was felt that the learning experiences fro pre-service teachers could be enhanced immeasurably if all key stakeholder views were aligned in the following areas: preparation of pre-service teachers, length and timing of the practicum, supervision and assessment during the practicum, professional development for supervising teachers and university staff and, most importantly, improved forms of communication between the university and schools.