The MLCS Apprenticeship The MLCS Apprenticeship Program Program

Dr. Natalia Pylypiuk, ProfessorUkrainian Literature and Language6 September 2011

(On the basis of materials prepared by Dr. Alla Nedashkivska and other members of the Language Coordinators’ Committee)

What is the Apprenticeship What is the Apprenticeship Program?Program?

A program funded by the Learning Enhancement Initiative (LEI), whose

goals are:◦to enhance the quality of undergraduate learning

◦to prepare graduate students for their professional duties

Benefits at the Benefits at the undergraduate end of the undergraduate end of the spectrum:spectrum:Undergraduate students always

study a second language under the tutelage of experienced instructors.

They also get to observe experienced instructors working with apprentices in a collaborative manner, thereby learning about collaboration in the target language.

Benefits at the graduate end Benefits at the graduate end of the spectrum:of the spectrum:

The Apprentice …◦develops the skills of observation and comparative analysis, by visiting various classes and studying their instructors,

◦gains first-hand experience in teaching and classroom management skills before assuming complete responsibility for a language class.

Benefits at the graduate end Benefits at the graduate end of the spectrum:of the spectrum:Principal instructors

◦practice teaching a subject (2L in this case) and how to teach it, by explaining why they do as they do,

◦have the opportunity to reflect on their own teaching skills and how to improve them through close collaboration with the Apprentice/s and by paying attention to their observations.

Responsibilities of the ApprenticeResponsibilities of the Apprentice

Observe and assist Principal Instructor in daily lessons

Practice under the guidance of the Principal Instructor (lesson planning, grading, quizzes, handouts)

Assist with classroom activities, student group work, etc.

Observe other classes on a regular basis, Apprentices observe

other instructors and complete observation reports

Responsibilities of the Responsibilities of the Apprentice (cont. 1)Apprentice (cont. 1)Hold office hours offer general help sessions or conduct

conversational sessions for undergraduates

Participate in Apprentice workshopsAttend meetings of Apprentices

from all areas in MLCS (1-2 per academic year)

Participate in language-specific coordination meetings

discussion of concerns, etc. workshops on language specific topics group preparation of common exams, quizzes etc.

Responsibilities of the Responsibilities of the Apprentice (cont. 2)Apprentice (cont. 2)Engage in self-reflection teaching journals (comments, ideas and

reflection on both teaching in general and on classes observed, as well as self-reflection on the their own current teaching experiences)

observation reports (other classes/instructors)Work toward professional development attend workshops in order to enhance

pedagogical and technological skills (ATL=Academic Technologies for Learning; ARC=Arts Resource Centre; e-class workshops; FGSR teaching workshops etc.)

Classroom Schedule*Classroom Schedule*

Week Tasks Week Tasks

0 (half week)

-observe 7 -teach 1 class (50 or 80 min)

1 -observe 8 -teach 1 class (50 or 80 min)

2 -observe 9 -teach 1 class (50 or 80 min)

3 -present 3-4 short activities 10 -teach 2 consecutive classes

4 -present 3-4 short activities 11 -teach 1-2 classes

5 -teach 1 class (50 min) 12 -teach 1-2 classes

6 -teach 1 class (50 or 80 min) 13 (half week)

-help with review sessions

Link to description of Link to description of Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship Program

http://www.humanities.ualberta.ca/MLCS/apprent_prog.html

* Please note that division of hours and details of schedule might vary according to type and level of language course.

However, the discrete differences between the duties of the Principle Instructor and those of the Apprentice ought to be observed at all times.

Tasks of Principal Instructors Tasks of Principal Instructors

Makes time to be available for the Apprentice

Provides guidance to Apprentices concerning lesson planning, grading, design of exams, etc.

Provides advice and feedback to Apprentice

Tasks of CoordinatorsTasks of CoordinatorsConduct an unofficial observation

of Apprentices a minimum of once per term, in order to help improve teaching practices

[In consultation with the principal instructor]

fill out the Apprentice Evaluation Form that includes recommendations with respect to the apprentice’s overall performance during the term

To sum up…To sum up…The Apprentice-Principal

instructor-Coordinator relationship is very rewarding◦when there is genuine team work

and all team members perform their respective responsibilities

◦when team members are willing to learn from each other

To sum up…To sum up… when team members inform each other

of developments, especially the Coordinator, to obtain advice and assistance

when team members are reciprocally courteous and willing to foster professional growth

when team members bear in mind their responsibility to deliver an enjoyable and high quality learning experience to their undergraduate charges.

Have a Happy 2011-Have a Happy 2011-2012!2012!

I wish you an auspicious and productive academic year, as you harmoniously balance the double role of teacher and student.

Come for a visit!Natalia PylypiukArts 437 - E