2020-2021

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
CYRIL POTTER COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
TEACHING PRACTICE DEPARTMENT

TP 124
INTRODUCTION TO THE SECONDARY LEVEL

COURSE: TP 124
CREDITS: Two (2)
EXEMPTIONS: NIL
PRE-REQUISITE: TP 122
FOLLOW-ON COURSE: TP 212

DESCRIPTION
This course, which comprises of two phases, is specifically designed for teacher candidates on the
Secondary Academic and Pre-Vocational Programmes. The first phase - Observation - is designed
to identify and address critical issues encountered by Guyanese teachers in the secondary
classrooms. It also allows the teacher candidates to create a personal philosophy that is driven by
the needs of the education system in Guyana. The second phase of this course is particularly
structured for teacher candidates to work collaboratively with peers to plan and deliver lessons
under the supervision of personal tutors. It is during this stint of practicum that teacher candidates
develop/ enhance pertinent skills and strategies appropriate to learners of the secondary level.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, teacher candidates would be able to:
1. Critically examine the education system in Guyana.
2. Understand and design plans appropriate to the needs of 21st century learners.
3. Craft their personal philosophy to meet the needs of the 21st century learners and
classroom.
4. Critically assess elements of the Teaching Act.
5. Design and execute lessons to secondary learners.

MODALITY FOR COURSE DELIVERY

This course is scheduled for two hours per week. Teacher candidates are required to attend a one
hour face-to-face hour must be spent in session with personal tutors weekly. The other hour must
be spent in self-study, at which time assigned tasks would be completed.

CONTENT
WEEK/ TOPICS
S
OBSERVATION- PHASE I
1-2 Introduction to the course
- The 21st Century Primary learner
- Ministry of Education’s Strategic
o Relevance to the 21st century classroom & learner
TASK: Journal entry on Part 1 (a).
The 21st Century Classroom
- Teaching- Learning tools for the 21st Century Teacher
- Equipping the 21st Century Classroom
TASK: Journal entry on Part 1 (b).
3 Equity & Equality in Education
- Differentiating between the two concepts
- Examining the concepts with reference to Guyana’s education system

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TASK: Journal entry on Part 1 (c).

4 My Philosophy of Education
- Understanding the elements of a personal philosophy
- Drafting of a personal philosophy
TASK: Journal entry on Part 1 (d).
5-6 Critical Review of Simulation Exercise Videos
TASK: Journal entry on Part 2. Submission of completed “practicum Journal”

TEAM TEACHING- PHASE II

7 Revision
- Resource Unit & Lesson Plan
Outline & Overview of the “MTP Web-Mediated Individualized Coaching Cycle”
8-9 Introduction to Team Teaching
- The Dynamics of Team Teaching
- Forming Teams
Planning & Preparation of Resource Units, Lesson Plans & Teaching-Learning
Materials
10 Recording & Submission of 1st 30-minute Team Teaching Simulation Videos
11 Conference
- Review and critical analysis of 1st video
12 Recording & Submission of 2nd 30-minute Team Teaching Simulation Videos
13 Conference
- Review and critical analysis of 2nd video
14 Re-Plan & Re-Teach one of the 30-minute Simulation Videos
15 Reflection on the Observation & Team Teaching Exercise

TEACHING & LEARNING METHODOLOGY

The course combines lectures, in-class discussions, group presentations, pre-and post-class study
of teaching videos and student-led online discussion forums.

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
Course Work: Observation Journal = 50%
Team Teaching = 50%
Total = 100%
MAIN TEXT

REQUIRED READINGS
RECOMMENDED READINGS

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