For example:
Though Angela was not able to demonstrate her knowledge of all the areas listed above on this practicum, she was able to meet many such as: interpretation of existing records; ability to interpret the physical, social and cognitive implications of vision impairments; uses a range of assessment strategies such as colour preference, reflection and evaluation; understands how reports from other agencies do inform the requirements of the student in the educational setting; and has a solid understanding of the importance of collaboration with LAST in regards to exams.
For example:
Angela is competent in lesson planning. She did struggle a little at first with defining true and specific goals for her students. I redirected her to think about what she wanted the student to achieve specifically and how she was going to achieve this. Angela shows an honest awareness in both Evaluations and Reflection of her lessons and student response taking on board what she can do differently, improve or develop for the future success of her student. Angela has implemented the SMART framework to prepare her lessons with success.
For example:
Angela was competent in the planning and sequencing of her lessons and was very adept in modifying and adapting lessons on-the-go to meet the changing needs of the students. She used information gathered in the observation of students to help inform her planning practise & implement continuity with the students. She ascertained prior knowledge using various strategies such as asking the student learning touch-typing to show her the home keys. Angela and would ask her students to reflect on what they had learned at the end of every lesson. She would also inform of what they were going to do in the following lesson, using motivational negotiation as a strategy. Angela had good behaviour management skills considering her lack of time in getting to know the students.
For example:
Angela was very competent in utilising different strategies and was able to identify student needs quickly. She was able to think on her feet and adjust lessons to suit the needs of the students. She was aware of where to position herself in relation to the optimal visual access of the student. She also demonstrated a good awareness of environmental factors which can impact on a students capacity to see. Angela has good behaviour management skills and demonstrated a good array of strategies she was able to adapt effectively.
For example:
Angela was very good with her evaluations and reflections of lessons. She has an honest awareness of what she could do better, what she could change and what worked. Angela works with the students best interests at heart and was able to take constructive criticism well and use it to her benefit. An example of this was in her digit recording lesson when the focus student was continually uncooperative in regard to the activity presented. Angela persevered until such a time as I, the supervising teacher had to interject as Angela was unaware of the behaviour management strategy that was utilised in regards to this student. Once this behaviour management strategy was implemented the lesson went smoothly with goals goals being reached.
For example:
Angela has a wonderful manner and communicated very professionally with her peers. She is clear in her explanations and is always willing to listen.
She is willing to take critical feedback and make relevant adjustments to improve her teaching practice and develop her knowledge. Angela did not have the opportunity to communicate with parents during this practicum besides contacting parents via email in seeking permission to video their child.
For example:
Angela is very good at creating and maintaining supportive and safe learning environments. She works well with her management strategies and ability to think on her feet in order to create a positive and inclusive learning space. Her lessons were all age appropriate and she has a thorough knowledge of the concept. Angela promotes independence in her lessons and gives students opportunities to explore and solve problems where appropriate.
For example:
Angela had the opportunity to observe a student in main stream high school effectively using a laptop computer to access his work which also included text books and novels. Angela was exposed to many new shortcuts that the student has been taught to employ, plus explored the different options available using the Windows magnifier. Angela also learned different design options available in Windows. Angela was required by me to modify a PDHPE workbook for my student which was 38 pages long. This was a valuable learning experience for her to support a student which resulted in a well modified booklet.
For example:
Angela worked very well with the students and employed a range of strategies when it came to providing feedback. In one instance, she negotiated with the student to plan for the next lesson in order to create excitement and motivation - especially when teaching touch typing. As the student was engaged in the planning process he was able to see where he was coming from and where he was going, and how, in relation to the short-term goal.
For example:
Angela was very open and adapted her teaching practise and activities, when required to needs of the students. She adapted her ideas on a lesson if she found a better way to present the required content. Angela gave appropriate feedback to her students when required and measured the progress of the teaching and learning experience using the SMART framework. Angela is competent in the area of assessing student data to inform her practice.
For example:
Angela demonstrated a passionate interest in supporting students with vision impairment in order to help them achieve their goals or work towards an optimal level of independence. Angela is interested to learn more and implements her knowledge into her practice.
For example:
Angela has refined research skills and was active in helping me to research current applications in CVI. She also contributed to consolidating a list of useful apps for a student with CVI plus researched current educational resources that would be beneficial to her focus student. This research was then presented to the class teacher. Angela also created a hand-made book that was specifically designed for young children with CVI which was implemented in her digit recording lesson with great success.
Do you consider that the Student is at risk of failing to achieve “Graduate level” by the end of their overall Practicum experience? No
Angela has worked hard to fulfil the criteria of her practicum. She has been interested in learning & made informed adjustments as required. Angela is insightful and passionate about what she does. She also has a keen sense of enquiry with excellent research skills. Angela has a professional and pleasant disposition and is easy to work with. Angela's lessons have engaged the students and she created a great rapport with each of them in a very short amount of time. I have no doubt Angela will make a very effective teacher of students who are vision impaired.