BSU Early Field Experience (Practicum)

Required Field Experiences

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Field experiences are an integral part of all teacher education programs at Bowie State University. Field experiences run concurrently with specific course requirements so students can link course content with real classroom experiences.

Field Placement Assignment: Students are to be provided diverse placements throughout the practical experiences, except MAT and Graduate students.

Early Childhood/Special Education Majors (ECED)

PRACTICUM I Grades 1 ‑3 Placement

PRACTICUM II Pre‑K Placement (Head Start)

PRACTICUM III Kindergarten Placement

Elementary Education Majors (ELED)

PRACTICUM I Grades 1 ‑3

PRACTICUM II Grades 4 ‑ 6

YEARLONG INTERNSHIP, LEVEL I Grades 1-3 or 4-6

YEARLONG INTERNSHIP, LEVEL II Grades 1-3 or 4-6

Secondary Education Majors (SCED)

PRACTICUM I Grades 9 - 12

PRACTICUM II Grades 6 - 8

YEARLONG INTERNSHIP-Level I Grades 6-8 or 9-12

YEARLONG INTERNSHIP-Level II Grades 6-8 or 9-12

Field experiences are expected to be completed in a Professional Development School (PDS) in partnership with Bowie State University.

Major Objectives Of Field Experiences

During field experiences students will:

1. apply, relate and evaluate educational theories, philosophies and content in the context of real classroom experiences

2. gain knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the pre-service mentors through direct experiences with teachers in classroom settings

3. gain knowledge of school organizational patterns and philosophies that shape school curriculum by participating in field experiences in a variety of settings

4. participate in professional meetings and professional development activities in a school setting

5. observe, study and interact with pupils of different ages, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and exceptionalities

6. participate in a variety of classroom activities:

a. Organize and manage instruction.

b. Observe, plan and teach lessons that include technology.

c. Select and use varied assessment and evaluation methods.

d. Prepare a case study.

7. interact with pre-service mentor, other professional staff, administrators, paraprofessional staff, parents and the community with sensitivity and respect.

8. engage in reflection, critical thinking, problem solving and decision‑making related to all aspects of teaching.

9. analyze personal teaching effectiveness through the use of journals, self‑assessments and study guides.

10. obtain frequent feedback and coaching from pre-service mentor, Institution of Higher Education (IHE) supervisors, course instructors and peers related to all aspects of teaching.

Students enrolled in a practicum experience course are required to COMPLETE field experience in early childhood/SPED, elementary, middle, or high school classrooms approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) with certified teachers. (SPED - special education department)

Failure to meet the following requirements will result in a failing or incomplete grade for the course:

- Students enrolled in EDUC 101 and 201 must visit a school one day a week for nine (9) weeks.
- Students enrolled in SPED 406 must visit a school one day a week for ten (10) weeks.

Students enrolled in MAT courses must meet the required number of hours or days of the course (see MAT package for more information).