Supervisory Conversations: A Key to Reflective Experimentation

Abstract

Using a qualitative approach, in this article, the author explores the conversations which take place between preservice teachers and their university supervisor, analysing sequences which serve as support for experimentation of a ‘new’ teaching approach and situations of knowledge construction by preservice teachers. They were asked to use cooperative learning activities during student teaching although such strategies were not necessarily modelled by their cooperating teachers or familiar to the students. As their researcher/supervisor, the author provided support in planning conferences and coaching through post-observation conferences. It is suggested that there is more to supervisory conversations than simply providing moral support for the preservice teachers or evaluation of their performance. They are occasions for knowledge construction, notably, through problem-solving and solution finding, stimulation of reflection and discussion of theory.