The University Associates' Continuum of Practice

This case study explored the work of university associates (UAs) within the Faculty of Education at a Canadian university from an interpretivist perspective. Data collected from semi-structured interviews with twelve UAs, artifacts, and documents generated insights about university associates’ roles and responsibilities with the intention to inform future field experience practice. In order to do this a conceptual framework based on a continuum of practice put forth by LeCornu and Ewing (2008) was utilized, which conceptualized a spectrum of pre-service teacher supervision spanning traditional to communal orientations. Five findings emerged from the data analysis: (a) University Associates, who were most frequently recruited from the ranks of retired teachers and school administrators, endeavoured to establish cooperative, managerial relationships with practicum hosting schools. (b) University Associates expressed a deep-seated commitment to fulfilling their roles. (c) University Associates reflectively determined best practice. (d) Collaboration within the practicum was evident although minimal due to hindrances. (e) University Associates with administrative experience expressed having an advantage working collaboratively. In light of these findings, collaborative practice should become a focused professional development initiative by the university for UAs within the practicum. Likewise, ongoing UA selection must consider the collaborative backgrounds of those participating in the practicum and opt for those with administrative experience when possible. As well, further investigation of the UA role would benefit from a multi-perspective stance, including the voices of pre-service teachers, mentor teachers, school coordinators and field experience directors.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Research

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Andrews Stobart, Christine

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Brandon, James

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• McGarvey, Lynn
• Jardine, Patricia Gail
• Calvert, Ann

• Education--Teacher Training

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/28407

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/2944