Warmest welcome, All Students, to the varied practicum experiences of The Mico!
Practicum, the nexus of all studies, is meant to unlock the potential of students. It is the platform on which students synthesize all the training they have received in their areas of specialization, education core, personal enhancement, elective and general education courses. Most students will be provided with a suite of continuous real-life classroom engagements that span a guided form of observation, a brief period of team teaching and an individual immersion. Additionally, some of these students will be placed in industrial or clinical settings, while others will be placed in organizational settings only. These out-of-classroom provisions create value-added opportunities for students to expand their professional experience and career goals. Overall, each phase of practicum is hinged on reflective inquiry, which acts as a catalyst for students’ personal and professional development during practicum and beyond.
While various academic departments directly manage students on practicum, the Practicum Unit has oversight responsibilities. The Unit respects students as well as their aspirations for their vision of life; consequently, it has an established practicum engagement framework that is couched in the core values of The Mico University College—leadership, service, integrity and excellence—to assist students’ development. Students on practicum are guided to achieve their purpose by department-deployed, well-trained supervisors, who are regarded as ‘critical friends’. Supervisors offer personalized coaching to allow students to make the required connection between theory and practice successfully; therefore, students are required to cooperate with an open mind and an open heart with their supervisors. Effective cooperation is built on the notion that success is a race that has no finishing line, so there will be varied peaks of success for which students should continuously strive, irrespective of their starting point.
I ask that students remain mindful of the core values of The Mico and respect their own positionality as aspiring teachers and leaders whenever they enter the real-world classroom/organization/industry/clinic on any phase of practicum. Our students are Brand Ambassadors of The Mico, so proper and polite behaviour, respect for self and others and adherence to the ethos of the place of practice are to be taken seriously. The mettle of aspiring teachers is often tested; therefore, our Brand Ambassadors should continuously display the characteristics of a true professional. Attitude is a determinant of the level of success.
Finalizing students will walk away from the final phase of practicum with improved communicative competence, pedagogical and/or leadership skills, values, attitudes and behaviours. I urge all students to make their practicum experience an amazing one for self, students or workers with whom they interact. Should students encounter instances of derailments along the way, please be assured that The Practicum Unit stands ready to assist, as much as its portfolio allows. Your success is the success of The Mico University College.
Do it with your might.
Karren Foster
Dean, Faculty of Education
Dear Reader/Miconian,
It gives me great joy to welcome you to the Mico University College Practicum Unit. Whether you are a student enrolled in one of our Programmes or an external stakeholder (guest), I extend greetings to you on behalf of our Practicum Team.
For over 187 years, The Mico University College has operated as the premier teacher-training institution in the western hemisphere. The name itself is synonymous with excellence, integrity, leadership and service to others, which are our core values at the institution. However, it must be mentioned that also enshrined within our history is our unwavering support to improve, diversify and improve Jamaica.
The Practicum Unit has always been at the forefront of the University’s vision to “To be the ‘University of Choice’ in the Caribbean, with distinction in teacher education, research and community service.” Guided by its mandate to Support, Communicate and Assure, the Unit understands the gaps that need to be filled within the education sector and aims to be that bridge. As such, we emphasize building connections among our students, cooperating schools and other stakeholders to create a more impactful and beneficial practicum experience, whether it be Reflective or Industry based.
Within the Unit, we strive to improve the educational landscape, promote best practices in the classroom, and diversify our offerings in making the practicum process easier and more efficient for all. Furthermore, as aspiring professionals, for you to be inspired through our informative written articles and intriguing videos to continue building on the legacy of which you are a part as a Miconian, venturing into the education system.
With that said, I urge you to continue making positive strides towards the development of yourself and as an emerging educator, in Jamaica and the world. Remember at all times that you are a Miconian and greatness lies within you. Continue to Do It With Your Might and may your journey in reflective practicum, and by extension, education be as prosperous as it will be beneficial.
Welcome aboard and continue to ‘Do It With Thy Might.’
Mrs Marlene Lawrence -Grant
