International Portal of Teacher Education

Source: Teaching and Teacher Education, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2007, Pages 160-172

To what extent might the practicum be regarded as a complex phenomenon? After introducing complexity science and its potential to illuminate educational practice, five characteristics are explored within the context of teacher education. Vignettes from a kindergarten classroom extend this exploration into the practicum setting. Five implications emerge for student teacher supervision: redefining the practicum, rethinking evaluation, surrendering certainty, acknowledging complicity, and allowing for improvisation.