Segmentation During Observations: A Mechanism to Support Teacher Candidates

Novice teacher candidates often worry about classroom management, an enormous and amorphous term. Segmented observations support teacher candidate development as they allow for the study of the segments of a class period. Teacher candidates can study the opening segment of class and the closing segment of class to see how experienced teachers structure the time. Teacher candidates can take that learning back into their own instruction; University Supervisors can reinforce the focus on segments in their observations and feedback. Once one class segment is improved, the teacher candidate can move into additional aspects of their teaching with the goal of moving beyond a hyperfocus on classroom management.