Multiple facets of supervision: Cooperative teachers’ views of supervision in early childhood teacher education practicums

Abstract

<p>The study focused on cooperative teachers' views on supervision in Finnish early childhood teacher education practicums. A total of 111 cooperative teachers responded to surveys and 18 teachers participated in pair or group discussions. The findings revealed that Finnish cooperative teachers represent different professional generations and are differently trained for supervising student teachers. The study promotes understanding the multiple facets of supervision by identifying six frames through which cooperative teachers interpreted their supervisory tasks. The cooperative teachers both criticized the teacher education programs and showed a commitment to facilitate student teachers’ professional growth.</p>