Using Exchange Tapes in the Preparation and Training Program for Student Teachers

Abstract

The extensive use of tape recordings has been employed to assist in training science teachers. Benefits observed included an increase in personal awareness of the classroom atmosphere for both teacher and listener, an increase in the quality of teaching, and an increase in the quality and efficiency of supervision.

The tape exchange system, between student teacher and college supervisor, was used to supplement regular classroom visits. Besides providing the student teacher with the operational skills and potential innovative classroom use of recorders and tapes, the exchange program allowed the teacher to share his best teaching efforts with his peers and the college supervisor. The college supervisor was able to benefit by using the “dead time” resulting from travel between schools to listen to the tapes and become familiar with the classroom environment and the progress for that particular student teacher.

Each tape included an introduction and the objectives for the lesson taught, a recording of the actual class taught, and the recorded comments of the college supervisor.