Practicum Levels

Missouri State University currently places over 1500 students in the local/area public and private schools, most in practicum experiences. At Missouri State, all students in the various educational programs are required to complete at least one field experience in a diversity setting. We recognize three levels of practicum experience:

Early Level

The purpose of this practicum is to expose the student to the realities of public school teaching in a classroom setting. While observing teaching and learning activities, the student will have the opportunity to reflect on the relationship between educational theory and pedagogical practice. While the main responsibilities of this practicum are observation and reflection, the student may be given the opportunity to work with individual or small groups of students under the supervision of the cooperating teacher. Students may also help with general “housekeeping” items as well. The instructor for this practicum will provide more specific guidelines as they pertain to the specific level and subject.

Mid Level

The purpose of this practicum is to provide the student with specific opportunities to work more closely with individuals or groups of students in a classroom setting. This level starts with observation but will move to more active participation in the classroom as the cooperating teacher feels appropriate. This includes reflection on the relationship between educational theory and pedagogical practice while implementing a variety of teaching strategies. The student may be asked to prepare lesson plans, unit plans, and/or activities for presentation to the class or create materials for use in the class. The instructor for this practicum will provide more specific guidelines as they pertain to the specific level and subject.

Culminating

This clinical practice (student teaching) provides the student with full-time placement in a classroom setting or settings with a certified teacher in their grade level/content area for a period of sixteen weeks. The student is required to plan, prepare, and implement lessons, assess student achievement, reflect on their performance, and participate in school activities. An assigned supervisor will provide feedback, support, and evaluation.

Specific requirements for each practicum is provided by the instructor of record in each class.