The edTPA (Educator Performance Assessment) is a rigorous process, and effectively using quotations is crucial for showcasing your teaching practice. Many aspiring teachers struggle with integrating quotations correctly, leading to lost points. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of using quotations in your edTPA portfolio, avoiding common mistakes and maximizing your chances of success.
What are the Common Mistakes with Quotations in edTPA?
A common mistake is simply dropping in quotations without context or analysis. The edTPA assessors aren't just looking for evidence; they're looking for your ability to interpret that evidence and connect it to your teaching practices and the overall learning goals. Simply including a student's comment without explaining its significance won't earn you points. Another frequent error is over-relying on quotations, neglecting to offer your own insightful commentary and analysis. Finally, some candidates fail to properly cite their quotations, leaving themselves vulnerable to accusations of plagiarism.
How Can I Effectively Use Quotations in My edTPA?
Effective quotation usage in your edTPA involves a three-part process: selection, integration, and analysis.
1. Selecting Relevant Quotations: Don't just grab any quotation. Choose excerpts that directly support your claims and demonstrate your teaching effectiveness. Prioritize quotations that showcase student thinking, reveal misconceptions, or illustrate learning progress. Look for evidence that aligns with your lesson objectives and the edTPA rubric's specific requirements.
2. Integrating Quotations Seamlessly: Avoid abruptly dropping quotations into your text. Introduce them smoothly, providing context and explaining their relevance. Use signal phrases such as:
- "As one student remarked,..."
- "In response to the prompt, a student shared,..."
- "Several students expressed difficulty with the concept, as evidenced by the following comment:..."
Always ensure your sentences flow naturally, integrating the quotation as if it were part of your own writing.
3. Analyzing Quotations Critically: This is the most crucial step. After presenting a quotation, thoroughly analyze its implications. What does it reveal about student understanding? How does it relate to your instructional decisions? How will you adapt your teaching based on this evidence? Provide insightful commentary that demonstrates your ability to reflect on student learning and adjust your teaching practices accordingly.
How Long Should My Quotations Be?
There's no magic number. Keep your quotations concise and focused. Only include the most relevant parts of student responses or other data. Longer quotations can disrupt the flow of your writing and make it harder for the assessors to grasp your main points. Short, impactful quotes are generally more effective.
How Do I Cite My Quotations in edTPA?
Always cite your sources. While the edTPA doesn't specify a particular citation style, consistency and clarity are key. A simple parenthetical citation, for example, "(Student A, October 26, 2023)," or a footnote providing the student’s identifier and the date, suffices. Maintaining consistency in your citation format throughout your portfolio is crucial.
What if a Student's Response is Grammatically Incorrect?
If a student's response contains grammatical errors or uses informal language, you can edit it lightly for clarity. However, it's important to maintain the student’s original meaning and intent. You can indicate edits using brackets [ ] or ellipses … to show where you've made changes. For instance: "The student stated, 'I think...[it's] really hard.'"
Can I Use Anonymous Quotations?
Yes, you can use anonymous quotations, especially if you're addressing sensitive topics or aiming to protect student privacy. However, ensure you clearly indicate the anonymity in your text (e.g., "One student mentioned," or "Several students expressed"). Be sure you’re not violating any district or school privacy policies.
How Many Quotations Should I Use?
The number of quotations needed varies depending on your task and the specific edTPA section. Focus on quality over quantity. A few well-chosen and thoroughly analyzed quotations are far more effective than many poorly integrated ones. Always prioritize insightful analysis over sheer volume.
By focusing on selecting the right quotations, integrating them seamlessly, and providing insightful analysis, you'll significantly strengthen your edTPA portfolio and increase your chances of success. Remember, the goal isn't just to show evidence, but to demonstrate your ability to use that evidence to reflect on and improve your teaching.
