Professional Experience visits
Professional Experience Visits
Benefits
- For PSTs: Provides structured feedback, encourages self-reflection, and ensures professional growth.
- For Mentors: Opportunity for support in guiding PSTs.
- For Schools: Strengthens partnerships with Deakin and enhances the placement experience.
- For Deakin Staff: Fosters connections with school communities.
Supporting pre-service teachers in placement
Overview
Professional Experience (placement) visits are designed to provide timely support, feedback, and oversight to Pre-Service Teachers (PSTs) during their placement. These visits ensure quality learning experiences, promote reflective practice, and foster strong connections between PSTs, mentors, schools, and Deakin University staff.
Key features
- Each PST receives at least one visit during their Initial Teacher Education degree.
- Visits ideally occur in placements of 15 days or longer and are optimally scheduled during a Consolidating placement (mid-degree).
- Typically scheduled in Week 2 of the placement.
Visit structure
- A Deakin academic staff member will conduct the visit.
- The majority of visits will be online, though some may be on-site where required.
- Visits are generally between the PST and academic staff member, though mentors may be included when appropriate.
- Discussions during the visit will cover:
- PST’s progress, including strengths and areas for development.
- Teaching and learning reflections, with a focus on professional growth.
- Placement expectations, ensuring alignment with course requirements.
- Support needs, identifying any challenges and strategies for success.
Additional support
On-demand visits are available for complex placement needs.