ED7A

RECORDED TEACHING PRACTICE (RTP)

GUIDELINES

AND OPERATING PROCEDURES

July 2008

OPERATING PROCEDURES - ED7A BRITISH WHEEL OF YOGA

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Recorded Teaching Practice: Page 1 of 5 Section Date of Issue: original June 1993

Guidelines INDEX 1 Amended September 2003

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1. INDEX

Page Heading Section and Ready Reference

1. 1. INDEX Index of contents and ready reference

1. 2. PURPOSE Purpose of the RTP

2. 3. REGULATIONS Rules Governing RTPs

3/4 4. ADVICE (ST) Advice to Student Teacher

Setting up an RTP

Preparing the Lesson Plan

On the Day

The Feedback Session

The RTP form completion

Problems and Arbitration

4/5 5. ADVICE (OB) Advice to Observer

The Lesson Plan

The Observation Process

The Feedback Process

The RTP Form

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2. PURPOSE OF THE RECORDED TEACHING PRACTICE

What is a Recorded Teaching Students must complete two RTPs during the course, Practice? one in the second half of Unit 2 and one in the second half of Unit 3. Each student must plan and teach a class of not less than 90 minutes duration, having not less than 6 students present.

Purpose To help Student Teachers and observing Diploma Holders prepare for a Recorded Teaching Practice (RTP). Copies of this guideline should be given to the student, and to the Observer prior to the RTP. (Copies of these RTP Guidelines should be kept as a separate file ready for assessments)

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3. REGULATIONS GOVERNING RECORDED TEACHING PRACTICE

Observer The class should be supervised and observed by a currently registered BWY Diploma Holder who has

completed a Teaching Practice Observation training day. (students should check that the Dip Holder's membership number shows 'TP' within the suffix).

OPERATING PROCEDURES - ED7A BRITISH WHEEL OF YOGA

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Recorded Teaching Practice: Page 2 of 5 Section Date of Issue: original June 1993

Guidelines 3. Regulations Amended September 2003

4. Student Advice

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The Course Tutor or Regional Training Officer will provide a list of RTP qualified TPOT – trained

Diploma Holders.

The Course Tutor may also observe one RTP, but not both. Where possible RTPs should be undertaken outside the course peer group.

How to Set Up an RTP Student should obtain a list of RTP trained Diploma Holders in their area either from the Course Tutor.

The Observer should then be contacted by the

student to discuss the requirements of the RTP.

Where a trainee is not yet teaching, a class must be

borrowed for the occasion. Suitable classes may be

borrowed from the Course Tutor, the Observer, or a

teacher colleague.

Fees and Expenses There is a recommended standard fee reviewed

annually for RTP. This fees and the travel rate per mile is obtainable from your Tutor or by reference to the rates published in your Autumn Spectrum.

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4. ADVICE TO THE STUDENT TEACHER

Contacting an Observer

Stage 1 Student teacher sends a letter to the Observer

(a) confirming the date and time of the RTP

(b) negotiating where possible, mileage and travelling costs to be paid to the Observer.

(c) confirming the fee to be paid to the Observer. (d) confirming that the Lesson Plan is sent a minimum of 2 weeks before the RTP date ensuring that the Course Tutor has seen it first.

Stage 2 Student teacher sends to the Observer

(a) A Lesson Plan plus a BWY Teaching Practice form with own and Course Tutor's BWY membership numbers shown.

A cheque made out to the Observer for RTP fee plus travel as agreed.

(c) Confirmation of date, time and place.

(d) Direction map including detailed instructions on the last 5-minutes to the venue.

OPERATING PROCEDURES - ED7A BRITISH WHEEL OF YOGA

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Recorded Teaching Practice: Page 3 of 5 Section Date of Issue: original June 1993

Guidelines 4. Continued Amended September 2003

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The Lesson Plan Should be a full Plan showing student numbers, ability level, aims, objectives, timing, and any theme used, plus examples of any handouts to be used in the lesson.

Preparing for the Day Good planning is an essential component of a successful RTP. It is useful to prepare and then test out your lesson plan, either at home, or in front of a class to ensure timing and content is likely to work.

Student Teachers may undertake as many Teaching Practices as they feel they may need before planning their first official Recorded Teaching Practice. Experienced fellow students and teacher colleagues may be prepared to loan their class for a practice.

On the Day The student teacher should arrive early in order to prepare the room, him/herself, and discuss any remaining requirements with the Observer.

The Class and Observer should be introduced to each other at the commencement of the class, and it should be made clear that the observer is not there to assess the students in the class.

The Observer should sit to one side of the class, to provide as little distraction as possible, and should not join in the class.

The Observer will make notes throughout the class, but should not interrupt the class at any stage.

When the lesson is over, the Observer should allow the Student Teacher time to deal with student feedback and take leave of his/her students.

Have a copy of the lesson plan close by in large enough print to read easily from a standing position, and try to arrive early enough to compose yourself, prepare, and relax before the arrival of your Students and the Observer.

After you have said goodbye to the students, it may or may not be appropriate to remain in the classroom to discuss the lesson. If this is impossible a suitable alternative venue must be found. Alternative venues may include your own home, a quiet local hotel, another room in a college, etc. Remember that privacy is important and that you may require the room for up to half an hour after the class.

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OPERATING PROCEDURES - ED7A BRITISH WHEEL OF YOGA

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Recorded Teaching Practice: Page 4 of 5 Section Date of Issue: original June 1993

Guidelines 5. Observer Advice Amended September 2003

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The Feedback Session A suitable location must then be found for a full and complete discussion of the class, including its strengths and weaknesses. RTP's are intended as guidance and advisory procedures and do not require a pass or fail mark. Both parties should take full advantage of the opportunity to help a Student Teacher improve and develop.

Try to accept the advice of the Observer positively. Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for change, and should not be taken personally. Remember that the Observer is there to help, support, and offer

advice.

It is recommended that the Student Teacher takes notes during this period as nervousness often precludes the ability to absorb important verbal information.

Completing the RTP form The Observer may wish to complete the RTP form at home and may send it to the student and a copy to the tutor within two weeks.

Problems and Arbitration When a student is unhappy with the advice and evaluation of the observer, s/he should first inform the Course Tutor who will contact the Observer to seek agreement. On the rare occasions where agreement is not possible, the decision may then be taken to repeat the RTP at the first available opportunity.

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5. ADVICE TO THE OBSERVING TEACHER

Please read these guidelines Familiarise yourself with the requirements of the RTP. As an experienced teacher you may feel daunted at the prospect of advising anyone else. Please remember that trainee teachers need all the help and guidance they can find. The RTP is a vital part of the trainee's route to the award of the BWY Diploma.

Check current BWY membership Please ensure that if you are asked to observe a RTP your annual BWY membership, including teachers registration fee, is up to date.

Check section 4 Stages 1 and 2 Check section 4 and ensure student teacher has adhered to instructions in Stage 1 and 2.

OPERATING PROCEDURES - ED7A BRITISH WHEEL OF YOGA

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Recorded Teaching Practice: Page 5 of 5 Section Date of Issue: original June 1993

Guidelines 5. continued Reviewed July 2008

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Content of the Lesson Plan The content of the lesson is chosen by the candidate

but should be in an acceptable chart format, and should reflect the aims and objectives shown in the Lesson Plan. The Lesson may not contain everything you are looking for, but should reflect a wide range of body movement, use of the breath, and some reflection of philosophical concept(s). Candidates may be required to answer questions about missing areas following the lesson in order to demonstrate their level of competence.

Acceptance of Lesson Plan Stage 3 - you should now:

(a)  Confirm to the Student that the Lesson Plan is acceptable.

(b)  Ask for any minor adjustments or elucidation (best done by phone) and ask for a new copy to be given to you on the day of the RTP.

(c)  Contact the Student's Tutor if the plan is very unacceptable, explaining your concerns so that the Tutor may give their student further help. This may delay the observation for a while.

On the Day Once you have been introduced to the class on the day, and have been seated discreetly to one side, please refrain from interrupting the class in any way.

The observation Process The RTP is an opportunity for guidance and, although it constitutes an assessment, the RTP form does not require terms such as, pass, good, or poor.

Completing the RTP form Do not complete the RTP Form during the lesson. Too many factors may change as the lesson proceeds and you may find yourself having to make alterations. Make notes instead and send the completed RTP form to the Student Teacher within two weeks of the date of the RTP.

The Feedback Session At the end of the class, when the students have left, a period of time will be available to discuss the lesson with the student teacher. Try to give at least half an hour to this process and be prepared to ask questions and listen to the answers. Your advice will be all the more appreciated if it has been given in a supportive way. The trainee is likely to be very nervous and in need of encouragement. Think carefully before using words like 'bad' or 'wrong' and consider instead, 'why did you plan it that way? or "have you ever thought of trying it this way?"......

Finally, thank you for giving your time to help a Student Teacher develop his/her skills.

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BWY RTP GUIDELINES - OP ED7A JULY 2008