Quality Supervision of Preservice Teachers in Field Experiences: Strategies and Practices for PETE Programs

Abstract

Quality supervision is essential for preservice teachers’ (PSTs) development of teaching effectiveness, because it purposefully structures PSTs’ learning experiences in a systematic and developmentally appropriate manner, provides specific feedback, includes formal and informal assessment of PSTs’ teaching, and facilitates opportunities for PSTs to reflect on and adapt their teaching. However, with the increasing challenges and demands of supervision in school settings, supervisors often find themselves frustrated and less supported. This article aims to address these issues by presenting four valuable strategies and their associated practices that physical education teacher education (PETE) programs and supervisors, particularly university supervisors, can employ while supervising PSTs. These strategies are: (a) establishing a supervision structure, (b) refining the evaluation system, (c) varying supervisory approaches, and (d) integrating educational technology. Associated practices within each strategy and resources are included as well. By actively adopting these practices, PETE programs can elevate their supervision quality, with a positive effect on the teaching effectiveness of their PSTs.