 FAQ's Regarding On-Site Primary /Junior Program |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 What is the difference in the work load between the on-campus and on-site programs? |
|
On-Campus
There are approximately 20 h of classes per week that are generally offered between 8 and 5 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Each course is 39 h in length, and the assignments include traditional papers and practical lesson plans and units.
You will have 60 days in the school during practicum times and will develop lesson plans and units.
The on-campus program is organized so that you have classes on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. However, during the months of September and January, you are free on Mondays and Tuesdays. Then beginning in October and February, Mondays and Tuesdays are spent in assigned schools.
On-Site
There are 7 one-week periods of classes, and students attend classes on campus on Fridays. This program begins the week before Labour Day. You take the same courses as the on-campus students, but each course is 20 h. As well, the assignments are generally practical in nature. While in the schools, you will be planning MANY lessons and units.
As in the on-campus program you too have 60 days in your assigned school as practicum, in addition to the weeks of field study before each practicum.
Summary
There is no difference in the amount of work. The difference is in the type of work. As well, students in both programs experience two "crunch" times, which are just before each practicum. On-campus candidates have more time to complete assignments at certain times of the year, and on-site students spend more time in the schools. |
|
|
|
 |
|
| Which program is right for me? |
|
You have to consider your learning style, goals, and personality.
The on-campus program appeals to those people who prefer a traditional university program with opportunities to learn in the schools. The on-site program is generally preferred by those who want a "hands-on" experience and who don't want to spend a lot of time in university classes.
If your goal is to learn about the research and theory, as well as to have a solid practical experience, then the on-campus program may meet your needs. On the other hand, if you want to have a very practical experience coupled with the "bare bones" of the research and theory, then perhaps the on-site program is better suited for you.
If you are more flexible and tolerant than most people, the on-site program may be right for you. Those in the on-site program spend 8 months in the classrooms of two mentor teachers whose personalities and teaching styles may not be a "perfect" fit for their own. Hence, all on-site participants must have excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to work closely with their mentor teachers. In the on-campus program, no more than 30 days is spent in the classroom of any one teacher |
 |
|
| Do boards hire on-site grads before on-campus grads? |
No. We have no evidence of any preference by the local boards. The boards outside of Ottawa are largely uninformed of the on-site program, and give no preference. |
|
|
| Does the Ontario College of Teachers value one program over the other? |
No. Both programs are viewed equally by the Ontario College of Teachers.
|
|
|
| I am a parent of school-age children, which program will fit with my domestic responsibilities? |
On-Campus
There are approximately 20 h of classes per week, which may be helpful in terms of having daytime hours to complete assignments. As well, Mondays and Tuesdays are free in September and January, as the placements in schools do not begin until October and February. Once the practicum begins, you will be expected to stay at the school until approximately 4:00 to meet with your teacher. Therefore, on those days, you may have to make adjustments in day care arrangements.
On-Site
With the on-site program you have to be available to meet with your teacher before and after school. As well, you are expected to participate in extra curricular activities and staff meetings. Therefore, you will not be home at 3:15 to monitor your children's homework. In fact, much of your work will likely be done in the evenings and on weekends. As well, you will NOT be placed in the school where your children attend. Finally, if we are able to offer you a spot in the on-site program, it will be at the closest participating school to where you live. It is not necessarily the school down the street, as not all schools participate in the on-site program.
Summary:
For either program you will likely have to arrange before and after school care for your young children.
|
|
|
| Is it possible to have a part-time job while in the on-site program? |
You are usually expected to be at the school until at least 4 o'clock each afternoon. Therefore, work would likely be confined to hours after 4. It is possible to have an evening and weekend part-time job providing that the hours are limited. (Remember your priority this coming year is to do well in your studies and placement so that you can graduate and be certified.)
|
|
|
| How long has the on-site program been running? |
It has been offered since 1987.
|
|
|
| How are mentor teachers selected? Do they receive training? |
They self-select according to published criteria. Their applications are screened by the principal of the school, and then approved by the superintendents of the boards.
Mentor teachers receive training in June, and are provided with on-going support through out the academic year by the Faculty.
|
|
|
| Do schools outside of Ottawa participate? |
We work with some schools in the Upper Canada District School Board and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario.
|
|
|
| What happens if the on-site placement doesn't work out? |
We have found that the main reason placements do not work out is that the partners are not communicating effectively. If you are having difficulty talking to your mentor teacher, then your symposium leader will go to the school in order to facilitate the dialogue between you and the mentor teacher. If the situation is to the point where you feel you are not learning and it is not a good match, then you are removed from the school. Likewise, if the teacher states that he or she can no longer work with you or that your teaching is having a detrimental effect on the children in the class, you will be removed from the school immediately. We work with the principal very closely in both situations.
The second placement is where ever we can find a school willing to take you, which could be ANY WHERE in the region. Your progress is then monitored closely.
Moving to a second school is usually done when efforts at facilitating and monitoring have not been successful. You should be aware that in an interview that you could be asked why you changed schools.
|
|
|
| I am not Roman Catholic. Would I be placed in a Catholic on-site school? |
This is not usually done. You indicate on your form whether you want to be placed in a public or Catholic school. We respect that choice.
If you are a practising Catholic and choose to do your on-site year in a public school, and want to teach in a Catholic school, you should do the following:
- Visit Catholic schools during the academic year,
- Take PED 3110, and
- In an interview with the Catholic board, be prepared to explain why you did not do your year in a Catholic school.
|
|
|
| Is the On-Site program offered at the Junior/Intermediate or Intermediate/ Senior division? |
No, it is only offered at the Primary / Junior level.
|
| |
|
 |
