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Exploring the use of technology designed to support the supervision process in teacher training placements

Authors

  • Cato R. P. Bjørndal UiT The Arctic University of Norway
  • Petter Mathisen University of Agder
  • Ann-Christine Wennergren Halmstad University
  • Fredrik Thornberg Halmstad University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/ntvp.v8i1.3745

Keywords:

supervision process, teaching placements, practicum, mentor teacher, student teacher, MOSO

Abstract

The practicum supervision process in teacher education comprises various cyclic experiential learning activities (e.g. planning, observation and supervision conversation). Research has documented considerable challenges relating to this process, but also that digital technology can help.

In the study, a software program designed for practicum supervision (MOSO) is tested in three Scandinavian teacher education programmes in which groups of student teachers are supervised by a mentor teacher. Throughout this process, the participants continuously alternate between individual reflection, and analogue/digital collaborative reflection. The aim of the study is to contribute knowledge about the experiences of using this technology, and data was collected through qualitative survey and focus groups.

The software contributed to improving the quality of the practicum supervision process, for example by: safeguarding supervision on lesson planning; improving observations, feedback and recollection; and facilitating more reflective and collaborative student teachers. The study also identifies important challenges when using such technology.

Author Biographies

Cato R. P. Bjørndal, UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Cato Bjørndal is a professor in pedagogy at RESULT (Resource Center for Learning and Technology) at UiT - the Arctic University of Norway. For more than two decades, he has researched within the field of mentoring and supervision, and he has published a large number of related books and articles.

Petter Mathisen, University of Agder

Petter Mathisen is a professor in pedagogy at the University of Agder. His professional interests are particularly linked to mentorship and supervision & technology in higher education. Mathisen has published several books and articles nationally and internationally.

Ann-Christine Wennergren, Halmstad University

Ann-Christine Wennergren is an associate professor of pedagogy at Halmstad University. The research interest is about digital tools for observation and supervision with teacher students but also about other tools for professional learning with school leaders and teachers.

Fredrik Thornberg, Halmstad University

Fredrik Thornberg is Fil.lic in pedagogical work from Gothenburg University/Halmstad University but is currently working as head of education in Ängelholm municipality. The research interest is first and foremost about assessment for learning to develop teaching and student´s learning but also about digital tools for observation and supervision with teacher students.

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2023-03-14

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How to Cite

Bjørndal, C. R. P., Mathisen, P., Wennergren, A.-C., & Thornberg, F. (2023). Exploring the use of technology designed to support the supervision process in teacher training placements. The Nordic Journal of Pedagogical Supervision, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.15845/ntvp.v8i1.3745

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2023)

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2023 Cato R. P. Bjørndal, Petter Mathisen, Ann-Christine Wennergren, Fredrik Thornberg

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