Try‐out teaching in secondary methods courses

Abstract

Student teaching, normally taken during the senior year in college, is considered to be the final step in professional preparation. This most vital course in the teacher-training program, the so-called internship which provides the crucial test for the prospective teacher, is only offered when the student is about to finish his college education. This procedure appears to be quite logical since the basic education courses -educational psychology, principles, and methods-must first be studied in order to provide the necessary background for student teaching. Unfortunately, there is little to be done if one discovers that he either dislikes or is unsuccessful at student teaching after completing four years of college. It is too late to change a career if this experience tells the tragic story of choosing the wrong occupation. It is true that to determine potential teacher failures any earlier than the senior year is exceedingly difficult. Obviously students could have received high marks in other education courses only to learn later that they are not and can not be successful at classroom teaching. Even the important practice of observing regular teachers at work is not enough to tell the student what teaching would be like for him. Offering student teaching sooner is not practical as it should normally occur after most course work is terminated.