The edTPA (Educator Preparation Assessment) is a rigorous performance-based assessment used by many teacher preparation programs to evaluate candidates' readiness for the classroom. A crucial element of a strong edTPA submission is effectively supporting your claims with evidence, and a key component of that is using authoritative sources correctly. This post will guide you through the process of quoting authorities to bolster your arguments and strengthen your edTPA submissions.
Why Cite Authorities in Your edTPA?
The edTPA assesses your ability to not only perform effectively in a classroom setting but also to articulate your pedagogical choices with clarity and precision. Quoting relevant authorities demonstrates several key things to the assessors:
- Depth of Understanding: It shows you've gone beyond simply stating your beliefs and have researched best practices and theoretical frameworks to inform your decisions.
- Critical Thinking: Selecting and applying appropriate sources demonstrates your ability to critically analyze information and choose strategies based on evidence.
- Professionalism: Proper citation showcases your understanding of academic integrity and your commitment to professional standards.
- Stronger Arguments: Supporting your claims with evidence from reputable sources makes your arguments more persuasive and credible.
How to Effectively Quote Authorities in Your edTPA
Effective quoting goes beyond simply dropping a quote into your text. It involves seamlessly integrating the quote into your argument and providing context and analysis.
1. Selecting Appropriate Sources
Choose sources that are relevant, credible, and up-to-date. Look for:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles: These offer rigorous research and analysis.
- Books by recognized experts in education: These provide comprehensive overviews of theoretical frameworks and pedagogical approaches.
- Professional organizations' publications (e.g., ASCD, NCTM): These often offer practical guidance and best practices.
- Government reports and educational policy documents: These can provide valuable context related to educational standards and reform.
Avoid: Websites without clear authorship, blogs with unsubstantiated claims, and outdated information.
2. Integrating Quotes Gracefully
Don't just plop a quote into your writing. Introduce it with context, explaining why you're using it and how it relates to your point. Use signal phrases to smoothly integrate the quote:
- "According to Smith (2020),..."
- "As Jones (2018) argues,..."
- "Research suggests that..." (followed by a citation)
Example: Instead of: "Students learn better. 'Active learning strategies are essential for student engagement' (Smith, 2020)."
Try: "Active learning is crucial for student engagement. Smith (2020) argues that 'active learning strategies are essential for student engagement,' highlighting the importance of student participation in the learning process."
3. Providing Context and Analysis
After including a quote, analyze it. Explain how it supports your claim and what it means in the context of your teaching. Don't leave the quote hanging; connect it explicitly to your argument.
4. Using Different Types of Quotes
- Direct Quotes: Use sparingly and only for impactful statements or precise wording. Always use quotation marks.
- Paraphrases: Restate the author's ideas in your own words. This is often preferred when the exact wording isn't crucial. Still cite the source.
- Summaries: Briefly summarize the main points of a longer work. Cite the source.
5. Proper Citation
Always cite your sources consistently using a style specified by your program (often APA or MLA). Failure to properly cite constitutes plagiarism and will result in a failing grade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of sources are acceptable for the edTPA?
The edTPA accepts a wide range of sources, including peer-reviewed articles, books by recognized education experts, professional organizations’ publications, and government reports. However, avoid unreliable sources like unattributed websites or blogs.
How many sources should I cite in my edTPA?
The number of sources will depend on the specific tasks and the length of your edTPA. Aim for a sufficient number of sources to thoroughly support your claims and demonstrate a strong grasp of relevant research and theory. Quality over quantity is key.
Can I use quotes from my university professors or mentors?
While using information from your professors or mentors can be helpful, treat this information like other sources and properly cite their contributions.
What if I can't find enough research to support my claim?
If you're struggling to find research to support a particular claim, it might be a sign that you need to reconsider your approach or refine your claim. Your claims should be rooted in evidence-based practices.
By carefully selecting, integrating, and citing authoritative sources, you can significantly strengthen your edTPA submissions, demonstrating not only your teaching skills but also your ability to think critically and draw upon relevant research to inform your practice. Remember that effective quoting is about making a convincing argument, not just filling space with citations.
