Another example of the relation between theory and practice is the demonstration-application lesson cycle used in the Professional Development Schools. A pair of fieldwork candidates then teach a similar lesson as their peers observe. Because candidates are taking methods courses during their fieldwork, fieldwork permits the candidates to engage in observations and specific assignments that can be carried out with the children in the fieldwork classroom. Fieldwork includes a planned sequence of activities that build on education foundations, theories, and strategies learned through university coursework. The Fieldwork Experiences Handbook shows how the minimum of five weeks fieldwork mix with the minimum or 7 weeks student teaching to total the 16 week semester.
Candidates are to follow the weekly sequence.
Typically they would be placed by the third week of the semester, do 5 weeks of fieldwork and then 8 weeks of student teaching. This is modified to meet the individual needs of our candidates. Candidates receive supportive and corrective feedback both from their master teacher and their university supervisor. The supervisor observes the candidate working with children and confers with the master teacher on the candidate s progress. Supervisors choose from among several standard Department forms to record their observations and suggestions during the fieldwork and student teaching component.