Supervisor guidelines
The role of the supervisor as part of the DE enrolment is a vital one. It is hoped that supervisors will find their role rewarding. Confidence increases with experience! When a student enrolls, he/she is allocated to a class teacher. It is the teacher's responsibility to design and deliver an effective teaching and learning program for the student. They work in partnership with the supervisor and utilize a blend of technologies and resources where appropriate.
The relationship between the teacher and supervisor is a very important one. It is essential that regular contact be maintained and that the teacher is kept informed of the student's situation at home. How much help to give the student is often a concern of supervisors. The work the student completes should be his/her own. However, assistance to gain answers or to re-explain a concept may need to be given. Supervisors are encouraged to contact the school with any concerns.
One of the Distance Education teacher's prime responsibilities is to support the supervisor in meeting the educational needs of the student and their DE program.
The Role of the Supervisor from the NSW Distance Education guidelines documentation
Every Distance Education student must have a supervisor who will give support and guidance. The role of the supervisor will include:
- supervising the student during school work activities
- supporting and encouraging the student through assistance with locating materials and resources needed for lessons, development of a timetable for work, provision of a suitable workplace and basic equipment.
- monitoring the student's completion of set tasks and the return of work to the distance education school or centre
- interacting with the student as required by the learning materials
- interpreting and explaining to the student the spirit and intention of instructions or comments included in lesson materials or in messages from the distance education teacher
- providing feedback to the distance education teacher on the student's responses to the lesson activities and on their performance and interest, including advice about illnesses or absences which have affected the student's ability to complete activities
- monitoring the student's participation in satellite, computer-based or teleconference lessons as appropriate
- providing appropriate conditions for and supervising all examinations and assessment tasks, as requested.