Practicum Information

Student Aiding/Student Teaching Guidelines

EDU 493: Student Aiding Experience and Seminar

Student Aiding and Seminar

A Guide to the Student Aiding Program

Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Majors

The student aiding program is the phase of practicum in which students in the Gallaudet Teacher Education program participate in ongoing classroom activities. This chapter is a brief guide to student aiding for all persons involved -- students, teachers, school supervisors and administrators.

We urge you to read this guide carefully; it should provide fairly complete information about the program. However, "live" contact among all persons involved in student aiding is often the factor that means the difference between successful and unsuccessful experiences. For this reason, if any problem should occur or if you should have questions about any aspect of the program, please do not hesitate to contact the university supervisor. Communication and cooperation are keys to the success of this program.

Student coursework prior to student aiding

Before beginning the student aiding experience, you need to have satisfactorily (B or better) completed two semesters of study in education including the following: Introduction to Education; Educational Psychology; Instructional Development; Curriculum; Reading Methods and Child Development. In addition, you are required to have completed at least 10 hours of direct observation as part of your coursework.

Student aiding is intended to correlate practicum and course work and to provide you with an opportunity for early direct contact with (1) children, (2) teacher's responsibilities, (3) teaching strategies and (4) materials and equipment used in teaching. During this semester, you are also enrolled in specific methods courses, which you can use to apply what you've learned to what you will be doing during the student aiding process.

Applying for student aiding

In the following pages, you will find a sample application for student aiding. These forms are available from the Placement Coordinator. They outline application procedures and requirements for student aiding. Due dates for the application are generally during the middle of the semester prior to student aiding; that is, mid-March. Work with your advisor and the placement coordinator to ensure that you meet established guidelines and timelines.