The edTPA (Educator Preparation Assessment) requires strong evidence of your teaching practices. Quoting effectively is crucial for showcasing your pedagogical reasoning and demonstrating your understanding of relevant theories and research. This guide provides best practices and examples to help you master quoting in your edTPA submissions.
Why is Quoting Important in the edTPA?
Quoting in your edTPA isn't just about showing you've read something; it's about strengthening your arguments. By carefully selecting and integrating quotes, you can:
- Support your claims: Quotes provide concrete evidence to back up your assertions about your teaching methods, student learning, and reflection.
- Demonstrate your understanding: Effective quoting shows you comprehend the source material and can apply its ideas to your own practice.
- Enhance your credibility: Using reputable sources strengthens the authority of your edTPA and demonstrates your commitment to evidence-based teaching.
- Show sophisticated analysis: The way you integrate and analyze quotes reveals your ability to critically engage with scholarly work and connect it to your classroom experiences.
Best Practices for Quoting in the edTPA
Here's how to quote effectively in your edTPA:
- Choose quotes strategically: Don't just throw in quotes randomly. Select quotes that directly support your points and offer compelling evidence.
- Contextualize your quotes: Never drop a quote into your writing without introducing it and explaining its relevance to your argument. Provide sufficient background information so the reader understands why you're using the quote.
- Use a variety of quoting techniques: Avoid relying solely on direct quotes. Experiment with paraphrasing and summarizing to demonstrate your comprehension of the source material.
- Integrate quotes smoothly: Quotes should flow naturally within your sentences and paragraphs. Avoid awkward transitions that disrupt the reading flow.
- Cite your sources correctly: Always use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) and provide complete bibliographic information. Incorrect citations can undermine your credibility.
- Analyze your quotes: Don't just present a quote; explain its significance. Analyze how the quote supports your claims and connects to your teaching practice.
Examples of Effective Quoting in the edTPA
Let's look at some examples of how to effectively quote in different sections of your edTPA:
Example 1: Supporting a claim about instructional strategies in the Lesson Plan section.
- Claim: "I employed differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of my students."
- Quote (Vygotsky, 1978): "The zone of proximal development (ZPD) is the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers" (p. 86).
- Analysis: "Vygotsky's concept of the ZPD guided my approach to differentiated instruction. By providing scaffolding and support tailored to individual student needs, I aimed to help them reach their potential within their ZPD."
Example 2: Reflecting on student learning in the Commentary section.
- Observation: "Several students struggled with the concept of fractions."
- Quote (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2000): "Students need multiple opportunities to connect their understanding of fractions to visual representations and real-world contexts" (p. 216).
- Analysis: "Reflecting on the NCTM's emphasis on connecting fractions to visual and real-world contexts, I realized I needed to provide more opportunities for hands-on activities and problem-solving tasks related to real-life situations."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What citation style should I use for my edTPA?
While the edTPA doesn't specify a particular citation style, using a consistent and recognized style like APA or MLA is crucial. Choose one and stick to it throughout your submission.
How many quotes should I include in each section?
There's no magic number. Focus on including only the quotes that significantly strengthen your arguments and provide crucial evidence. Quality over quantity is key.
Can I paraphrase instead of directly quoting?
Yes! Paraphrasing is a valuable skill and shows your comprehension of the material. However, always cite the original source when paraphrasing.
What if I'm unsure about how to properly cite a source?
Consult your university's writing center or library resources for guidance on proper citation techniques. Accurate citations are essential for maintaining academic integrity.
By following these best practices and utilizing the provided examples, you can effectively integrate quoting into your edTPA, showcasing your understanding of relevant research and strengthening your arguments. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate your pedagogical reasoning and reflective practice through the strategic use of credible sources.
