Student teachers encouraged to think outside the classroom
129 student teachers from York St John University will put
their knowledge and training into action next week, on an
innovative placement scheme in settings other than schools
(SOTS).
The successful programme (which is not
currently operated at any other teacher training institution)
organises student teacher placements (running from 10 to 15
October) in a diverse range of organisations and settings across
Yorkshire, Humberside and Northumberland. These include York
Minster, York Museums Trust, Jorvik Viking Centre, The National
Railway Museum, National Trust properties, environmental centres,
art galleries, libraries, the RSPB, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, and
Harewood House and Bird Garden.
During their time on placement, students carry
out an assortment of supportive responsibilities, including helping
to deliver workshops and supporting school visits. Each
setting arranges for a trained mentor from within its team to work
with the students, to share expertise and knowledge, monitor the
students’ attainment of learning outcomes, and generally oversee
their experience.
The SOTS placement is an integral part of
student teachers’ training and they are required to complete a
number of assessed tasks during the engagement. These include
keeping a daily journal which they must use to show that they have
reflected upon their learning and professional development.
The benefits of the scheme are abundant, but
they include inspiring students to become more creative teachers
and encouraging them to identify opportunities for learning outside
the classroom. There are also reciprocal benefits for the
placement hosts who are able to observe the most current learning
strategies being demonstrated by the students, and profit from the
wealth of resources and materials students prepare during their
stay.
To prepare for the forthcoming SOTS placement
next week, the year group is at Beningbrough Hall and Gardens in
York today, taking part in a professional development training
workshop (funded by the National Portrait Gallery). This will
give them a preliminary insight into learning opportunities in
settings other than schools and show them how these might transfer
to the traditional classroom.
Jan Spencer, Senior Lecturer in Education,
SOTS Director, and Partnership Development Manager for the Faculty
of Education and Theology commented:
“The York St John University SOTS programme is
a fruitful opportunity for both students and their placement
hosts. It affords students the chance to observe and promote
learning outside classroom parameters; develops lesson planning
skills; and allows students to see the importance of inspiring in
young people a love for lifelong learning. Mentors welcome
the assistance they receive from the students as well as the
opportunity to observe up-to-date teaching and learning
strategies. Such positive feedback demonstrates the merit of
the scheme and the importance of our partnerships with placement
settings. We look forward to building on these relationships
in future projects.”
The SOTS programme is an innovative scheme but
is becoming more widely acknowledged as an important teacher
training experience, and received positive comments in York St John
University’s recent Ofsted inspection report.
For further information please contact
Amy Hall, PR & Communications Officer on T: 01904 876466 or E:
a.hall@yorksj.ac.uk
