Introduction

Research and practice in the field of education suggest that effective teachers demonstrate specific qualities. To encourage future teachers to strive for and develop qualities consistent with effective teaching, the MDOE, through its licensure process, defines standards that must be met through demonstrable activities by pre-service teacher candidates in order for licensure to be awarded. Each candidate must demonstrate and document his/her knowledge, understanding, and ability with regard to: 

• Knowledge of the subjects of music and music education 
• Planning curriculum and instruction 
• Delivering effective instruction 
• Managing classroom climate and operation 
• Promoting equity 
• Meeting professional responsibilities 

Among the requirements to support achieving these standards, are pre-practicum activities consisting of early field-based experiences that addresse learning/teaching in a variety of educational settings (MDOE, 2003).  These early field-based experiences take place in the school classroom (public and/or private as approved), are supervised by licensed teachers and/or univeristy faculty, and are completed in conjunction with the relevant professional methods course.

This observation guide was designed to help you with the field experience process. It is aligned with the degree requirement and standards established for licensure by the University of Massachusetts Department of Music and Dance, the University of Massachusetts Teacher Education Coordinating Council (TECC), the Massachusetts Department of Education, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the National Association of School of Music (NASM). 

We learn a great deal through observation of and interaction with others. As a result, observing teachers in their classrooms is an important and required activity of the music education curriculum.  So too is the importance early teaching experiences.  Such pre-practicum experiences help bridge the gap between theory and practice. They bring you into contact with your future colleagues and provide opportunities to make connections with real world situations. Take the fullest advantage of these outside resources to inform, clarify, and expand your knowledge. Enjoy and respect this opportunity, it means a great deal to your development as a music educator and even more to the students for whose education you will be responsible.

Procedural Guide (Protocol)

Field observations and pre-practicums are intended to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Also, they will bring you in contact with your colleagues in the field. Enjoy and respect this opportunity. Many people are very willing to share their time and expertise - they care about your development as well as the development of the profession. They also care about their students and wish to provide them with the best possible classroom environment for learning. With that in mind, at the very least, please use the following protocol to guide the field experiences process. 

I. In Advance of The Observation/Pre-Practicum: 

• Contact the teacher(s) as far in advance as possible. 
• Briefly discuss the intent of your visit. Determine if there is anything special of which you should be aware prior to your visit such as school visitor policies, etc. 
• Make arrangements to visit the teacher at his/her convenience as well as your own. 
• If possible, arrange to have a conversation with the teacher following the experience. 
• If there is a need to cancel your appointment, notify the teacher ASAP (remember, professional behavior is required). 
• Notify the principal of your interest/intent.  Principals have indicated that they want to be notified of your intent to observe or conduct a pre-practicum; some may also wish that you seek their permission as well. 
• Prepare a lesson plan for pre-practica in accordance with the needs defined by the teacher.  Use the lesson plan template from the relevant methods course. 

  II. The Day of The Observation/Pre-Praccticum: 

• Dress in a professional manner. 
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the class begins 
• Check in at the main office of the school. This is especially important in these times of increased concern about student safety. 
• Do not bring people with you for whom arrangements were not made - that is unfair to the teacher, the students, unprofessional, and in most cases not appreciated. 
• When doing a pre-practicum, review your lesson plan with the teacher. 
• When doing a pre-practicum, if possible, ask the teacher to provide feedback using the "Pre-Practicum Observer Form". 
• Acquire the teacher’s signature on the "Observation Signature Form" or "Practicum Observer Form" at the conclusion of the experience. 
• Extend your appreciation to the teacher prior to leaving the building. 
• Notify the school office that you are leaving the building if so required by the local visitation policy. 
• Review your pre-practicum lesson plan with the teacher. 

III. Following the Observation/Pre-Practicum: 

• Consider sending a brief thank you note to the teacher. This is not only a simple courtesy, but will also help you begin the process of building professional relationships. 
• Complete your report and synthesis. 
• Copy your report and submit the copy by the appropriate deadline. 

Note: Making phone contact may be difficult. Usually teachers are unable to answer a phone call on demand. One strategy is to ask the office personnel when it might be a good to time to place a call to the individual teacher. Another strategy is to make contact via e-mail. Don’t expect your call to be returned. Call as often as needed to make the connection. Most importantly, follow through with the arrangements, be sensitive, and professional. Remember that even the most seasoned teacher may find that being observed is a bit unsettling.  Furthermore, remember that the teacher is helping you! 

Top of Page