“It's a strange thought to have the students to myself”

Supervision in Teams in Practical Training in Teacher Education

Abstract

Supervision in practicum in teacher education is a task that is often taken care of by the individual supervisor, and previous research shows large variations in quality of supervision, follow-up and learning outcomes for the students. The present study deals with the establishment of supervising teams at a school where most teachers are certified supervisors. The term supervisory team refers to the fact that several practice teachers take joint responsibility for the tasks related to the same student group. The study highlights how students and practice teachers experience this organization, and how both groups link their experiences to learning and development. The study is socioculturally anchored with data based on interviews with three supervisor teams and their student groups throughout one period of practicum. The findings indicate an incipitary collective tutoring practice built on an existing collaborative culture, supported by choreographed learning meetings as a structuring resource.