Program theory evaluation of an innovative practicum model for early childhood education in Canada


Article de colloque

Contributeurs:

État de publication: Publiée (2016 )

Titre des actes: International conference on education and new development

Lieu: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Intervalle de pages: 116-120

ISBN: 978-989-99389-8-4

Résumé: This paper presents the results of the theory evaluation phase of a four-year evaluation of a practicum model in place within a College-level ECE Diploma in Québec (Canada). Designed in collaboration with multiple stakeholders (teachers, researchers and external members), the program evaluation employed a participatory and bottom-up approach (Chen, Klein, & Minor, 2009). After introducing the In Situ practicum program and the Quebec ECE context, the origins of the program and the difficulties in transferring learning from the classroom to the fieldwork setting identified as the problem theory will be illustrated. The process theory will follow, explaining how the In Situ practicum model targets reflexive practice and competency mastery in a real-world setting. Examples of techniques and learning activities that take place in this practicum will also be provided. The presentation will conclude with the outcome theory developed in order to plan the implementation and outcome phases of the program evaluation.